2005 Carolyn Pearson
Carolyn White Pearson
Raised on a dairy farm, Carolyn Pearson is the daughter of Maxine White and the late James E. White. The dairy herd was necessary for the steady income it provided to the family of six. Also, other farm animals and grain farming were part of the growing-up years of the two sons and two daughters. She said that everyone worked, and vacations were few, as substitute milkers were not plentiful.
Carolyn was active in the 4-H dairy program, as her father was the 4-H leader for many years. As a teenager, she benefited from the cooking and clothing skills offered in 4-H. She met her future husband, Bill Pearson, at the 4-H fair, while sitting on bales of straw with her friends in the cattle barn.
After graduation from Delphi High School, she lived in Fort Wayne, studying at International College, and working in business for four years. She married the guy she met and dated in high school, and they became parents of two sons, Patrick Pearson of Florida, and Jason Pearson of rural Delphi.
Bill and Carolyn took two nieces into their home upon the death of Carolyn’s sister, and now enjoy four grandchildren.
Bill and Carolyn farmed for eight years before purchasing the John Deere Dealership in Flora in 1972. They moved to the house in Delphi where Bill’s parents had lived. The couple retained the family farm and maintained a hog operation and grain farm.
Involved in raising their children, Carolyn volunteered at school and became a leader in scouting, receiving the Sagamore Council award for service. The family opened their home for Russian farmers visiting Carroll County, and hosted exchange students for several years.
From 1982 to 1986, Carolyn was a trustee for Delphi Community School Board, serving as secretary and on special committees during construction of Delphi Community Middle School. Elected to Delphi City Council, Pearson serves as its president, and this term marks 20 years of continuous service.
Service and volunteer work has been a large part of her life. Through Psi Iota Xi, Pearson delivers Meals on Wheels and serves as chairperson of Red Cross Bloodmobile. She is a member of Carroll County Community Foundation and Hickory Grove Church, where she served as moderator. She is also involved in teaching and musical programs there. For 14 years, two nights each week have been devoted to teaching students how to prepare for GED testing.
She said that agriculture, even with all its uncertainties, still provides and allows for independence, challenges, and incentives that few other areas offer. Pearson is humbled and grateful to be chosen for this honor, said Steve Nichols, extension agriculture educator. “No one serves for the purpose of recognition,” he said. “And this award is very much appreciated (by Pearson).”
February 11, 2010
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