APPOMATTOX, Aug. 25 – Florence Vowell Pearson, a long-time resident of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2011 following a period of declining health and strength.

Born June 9, 1927, she graduated from Worsham High School in 1944 and lived most of her life in Prince Edward County before moving to Florida in the mid-1970's.

In addition to the love and pride she had for her sons, her life was characterized by hard work, self-reliance, discipline, charity, love of learning, fortitude, and a sense of fairness. She touched the lives of many with her quick witt and generosity. Her interests included reading, gardening, and sewing. She spent much of the latter part of her life as a caregiver to the members of her community in Lake Wales.

She is survived by five sons, Anthony Pinelli (Myrtice) of Appomattox, Dr. Thomas Pinelli (Lynn) of Yorktown, Stephen Pinelli of Meherrin, George Pinelli (Jayne) of Quinton, and Robert Pinelli (Janet) of Richmond; three grandchildren, Michael and Scott Pinelli of Lynchburg and Timothy Pinelli of Appomattox; and two great-grandchildren, Morgan Pinelli and Sahara Pinelli.

Burial (private) was beside her late husband, Oliver Ross Pearson, at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church Cemetery in Meherrin.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Fund, Rt. 633, Meherrin, VA 23954.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, was in charge of arrangements.