Vinell (McAuley) Pearson

Ms. Vinell (McAuley) Pearson, age 93, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. 

She was born to the late Emuel McAuley and Cassolene McNeill McAuley. After her mother’s passing, she was blessed with a loving Stepmother, Sadie Dickens McAuley. She was married to the late Willard Pearson of Harnett County. From that union four sons were born: Larry Lonell (Diane) Pearson, Washington D.C.; Willard Leron Pearson of the home, Aaron Noble (Annette) Pearson, Asheboro, N.C.; and John Anthony (Janice) Pearson, Sanford, N.C.

She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-great Grandmother, Auntie, Sister, Sister-in-love and a cherished friend and confidant to many.

Vinell was reared in Love Grove A.M.E. Zion Church where she faithfully served and held many positions, including Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher, Lay Council Member, Missionary and Class Leader. Throughout her many years of attending, she faithfully served wherever she was needed. But the thing that she will be most remembered for is her singing. She has always been quite the Songbird. At an early age she began traveling with her father and siblings to spread the gospel through song at various church events. She later became President of Love Grove’s Senior Adult Choir. A position she proudly held for numerous years.

Vinell was famously renowned for her cooking, be it a full course meal, dessert or snack. Her many layered cakes and sweet potato pies were legendary. For many years she prepared meals and fed the community after Sunday service. In addition to that, she had a green thumb. She loved her flowers, growing many of them from seeds.

In her youth she attended Ridgeway School in Harnett County. As an adult and single mother, she was held in the highest regard as a hard worker who worked diligently to support her four sons and made sure that they attended church right alongside her on every Sunday. One of her jobs was at Lady June Bakery in Sanford. She later retired as a seamstress from AJ Snierson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, and eight siblings.

She leaves to mourn her four sons, three daughters in love, nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a sister in love, Johnnie McAuley.

"Family and friends will be received at 1613 Cherokee Trail, Sanford, NC, 27332, beginning on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5pm - 7pm".

"We do not own copyrights to the background music"

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC.