Dwight T. Pearson

Dwight Travis Pearson, Sr., 70, born to Chester and Leola Pearson, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Reston Hospital after battling an array of illnesses. Dwight was the second born of nine children, and was known affectionately by his siblings as "Early Bird". He fought hard until the very end, impressing even doctors with his strength, and peacefully parted with his wife by his side.

Growing up, he was a talented athlete and quickly became a "jack-of-all-trades" type of person. He could do a little of everything and dabbled in many professions over the years. Dwight was a professional chef and co-owned a catering company with his wife for many years before retiring due to disability and illness. He still enjoyed cooking and would do so whenever he was physically able. His specialty was Swedish meatballs. He was a youth basketball and football coach and mentored many young people throughout their lives, many of whom still consider him as a second father. In his heyday, he loved hot rods and was proud of his many IROC-Z's.

Dwight was a die-hard fan of the Washington Redskins and Nats. He enjoyed playing cards, talking on the phone with friends and family, telling his stories, watching his favorite shows with his wife and was a fan of oldies and soul, and loved Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and The O-Jays. He was always the life of the party.

Dwight's love, zeal and joy for life was infectious. A natural comedian, he had the "gift of gab" and was a masterful story-teller, but he also possessed the ability to draw people in with charm and charisma. He made everyone he spoke to -- family, friends, or people whom he had just met -- feel like they were important and that no matter what they were going through, everything was going to be okay. Even battling his own illnesses, Dwight never lost hope and whatever he set his mind to accomplish, he would do. Even when he didn't think he could walk again, he pushed himself to leave his wheelchair and was so proud of being able to take even baby steps.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Detra Pearson, whom he adoringly called "Dee-Dee"; one son, Dwight Pearson, Jr. (wife Tanisha); three daughters: Tianne Wade (husband Ian), Leeta Harlem (husband Carlos), Brenda Pearson Nasr (husband Navid); five brothers: Carroll Pearson (Fayetteville, NC), Gregory Pearson (Fredericksburg, VA) (wife Jeannie), Anthony Pearson (Woodbridge, VA) (wife Michelle), Burnett Pearson (Falls Church, VA) (wife Caroline), Calvin Pearson (Fayetteville, NC) (wife Gwen); three sisters: Patricia Cole (Alexandria, VA), Dovella Tolliver (Neptune, NJ) (husband TC) and Carol Ann Bowles (husband Wayne) (Sterling, VA). In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren: Barry D. Pearson, Jr., Joshua Pearson, Sierra Pearson, Ian Wade, Jr., Andrew Wade, Davian Richardson, Mariah Owens, Colin Brown, Destiny Pearson, Grace Pearson, David Pearson; an "adopted daughter in love", Jessica Perry; and “adopted son in love", Andre Marshall, who was one of the first friends the family met when moving to Herndon and who became a part of the family and remains to this day. He leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless other relatives and friends. Dwight also shared his home with his faithful dog, Newby.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Leola Pearson, and his beloved son, Barry D. Pearson, Sr.

He is in the loving care of Money and King Funeral Home of Vienna, Virginia. The funeral for Dwight will be conducted on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 10:00 am (viewing), with service from 11-12:30 p.m. officiated by Bishop Patterson. It will be held at First Baptist Church, 21449 Potomac View Rd, Sterling, VA 20164 (phone # 703-450-9476). A reception will follow at Cascades Overlook Event Center, 21453 Epicerie Plaza, Suite 200, Sterling, VA 20164 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.