Sandi Pearson

Sandra Joy Hilke Pearson, 65, of Hixson, passed away at on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, surrounded by her family and friends. Sandi has battled pancreatic cancer for the past several months. Sandi was born in St. Paul, Minn. She moved to Chattanooga in 1961 and graduated from Red Bank High School in 1966. Sandi was an employee of Olan Mills from 1977 until it became Lifetouch in 1999. She has been with Lifetouch ever since. With her 38 years of employment, Sandi has left behind many special friendships that were more like family than co-workers. She even had special ties to several Lifetouch employees in other cities around the country. Sandi was a member of Dallas Bay Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Pearson Hawthorne; her father, Merton C. Hilke; and her sister, Cynthia Cagle; her nephew, Chad Thurman and her father and mother-in-law, John W. Pearson Sr. and Donaline Pearson. Sandi is survived by her husband of 49 years, John W. Pearson Jr.; her daughter, Jennifer Pearson Watson and son-in-law, Curt Watson; her grandchildren, Justin Watson, Aaron Watson, Reese Watson, Avery Watson; her mother, Geneva Hilke; her brothers, Mervin (Delores) Hilke and Harry (Sharon) Hilke; her sister-in-law, Jo Nell (Jim) Thurman; her brother-in-law, Mike (Liz) Pearson along with several nieces and nephews. A special thanks from the family to the staff from Cancer Treatment Center of America in Newnan, Ga. They showed amazing support and encouragement. Also thanks to the incredibly compassionate nurses, techs and hospitalists on 4E at Memorial Hospital downtown and Memorial at Hixson. The family will receive friends at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 6, 2014, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, and will be officiated by Rev. Greg Pearson and Rev. Steve Pearson. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.