Obituaries
Theophilus Jacob Pearce, Junior (10-15-2009)
Memorial services for Theophilus Jacob Pearce, Junior, 89, of Ruston will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Ruston. Dr. Chris Craig will officiate, assisted by Rev. Andy Johnson and Rev. David Abernathy. Following the service, interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Visitation will be at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston from 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2009. Mr. Pearce went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Winnfield, Louisiana on July 12, 1920, the son of T. J. Pearce, Sr. and Fannie Bertie Reeves. He graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute where he was a member of numerous organizations including the band. He entered the Navy in January, 1942 where he served as a lieutenant until his discharge in March of 1946. He then came home to Ruston to help run the family business, T. J. Pearce and Company, with his brother Reeves. Throughout his life, Mr. Pearce had a passion for music and he was privileged to have been director of music at many local churches, including; First Baptist Dubach, Emmanuel Baptist Ruston, Fellowship Baptist Dubach, and was the director of the Praise and Worship Singers in his home church, First Baptist Ruston. While at First Baptist Ruston, he served as a teacher in Sunday School, was Chairman of the Board of Deacons on numerous occasions, a past member of the Board of Trustees, and served on various committees. He also formed and directed the Russ House choir. His family, particularly his grandsons, brought him his greatest joy and he was an avid supporter of Ruston High football and baseball. Mr. Pearce is preceded in death by his wife, Mattsye, the love of his life for 63 years; his two infant sons; his parents, T. J. Pearce, Sr. and Fannie Bertie Pearce; his sisters Alverne Lawson, LaVerne Abernathy, Marteal Pearce, Marguerite Austin, and brother, William Reeves Pearce. He is survived by his immediate family: son T. J. Pearce III of Washington, D. C.; daughter Mattsye Marteal (Marty) Alsup and husband Carey of Ruston; grandsons Jacob Daniel Alsup and wife Leaia, Andrew Carroll Alsup, Timothy James Alsup, and Benjamin Pearce Alsup, all of Ruston; sister in law Ree Pearce, of Ruston and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be grandsons Jacob Daniel Alsup, Andrew Carroll Alsup, Timothy James Alsup, Benjamin Pearce Alsup, and nephews Don William Austin, John A. Austin, Jr. , Jim Charles Pearce, and David Abernathy.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Russ House, Dr. J. V. Jones, Dr. Billy Smith, and the Green Clinic for many years of wonderful care. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ruston Music Department.
Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com
