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Note: Samuel J. Pearson and his wife "Josie" spent most of their married lives raising their children at 706 Fayetteville Ave. in Bennettsville,SC in a large, two story frame house on a lot that included most of the entire block. Sam, also known as Dr. Pearson, was an optometrist , with an office uptown in which he also had a jewelry business, and a watch repair business. At one time he had also sold record players and records. The business had started on Main St., but the building had burned during a huge fire that burned most of the business block in 1905 ,so Sam had moved his business around to Marlboro St. Josie was a homemaker and a wonderful seamstress. She said she had made everything from her children's underwear to their coats during her lifetime. She must have been a pretty good cook too, for I heard of at least one wedding cake she made. Josie was a very quiet person and a wonderful listener. Sam's obit.: Sam J. Pearson, 70, Bennettsville's oldest merchant, died at his home on Fayetteville Avenue Monday afternoon at 5:00 following several months illness after a stroke. Funeral services were conducted from the home Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 and interment followed in Oak Ridge cemetery. His pastor, Rev. L. Everett Thomas, assisted by Rev E.M. Harries, of Aberdeen,l a former pastor, and Rev. E.S. Dunbar, officiated. Mr. Pearson, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Z.T. Pearson, was born May 6, 1876. He was a native of and spent his entire life In Marlboro County. He was the oldest merchant in Bennettsville in point of service, having opened here in 1896 and until his health failed was jeweler and optometrist. He was a former president of the South Carolina Optometrist association , and for a number of years had served as a member of the Town Council. He was a member of the Thomas Memorial Baptist church, was a 32nd degree honorary Mason and a life member of the Woodmen of the World. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Josephine Patrick Pearson, and the following sons and daughters. Zack Pearson of Marion, Sam J. Pearson, Jr., Fulton Pearson, Mrs. Miriam P. Richardson, all of Bennettsville, Mrs. Avis P. Law of Greenwood, and Mrs. Josephine P. Bundy of Charlotte, N.C. Another son, Dr. Raymond D. Pearson of Monroe, died several years ago.
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