Laurie Alayne Evans Pearson

Mrs. Laurie A Pearson, 67, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 4:45 PM, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

She was born to Robert and Eleanor Brooker Evans on June 23, 1954. She married David R Pearson on July 8, 1978.

Laurie is survived by her husband and her mother, both of Galesburg. Also surviving are two daughters, Erin (and Jared) Surratt of Chillicothe, Illinois and Lauryn Pearson of Bloomington, Illinois; two granddaughters, Addison Surratt and Isabel Surratt, both of Chillicothe; and her brother, Mark Evans of Naperville, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Laurie was a 1972 graduate of Galesburg High School. She then attended the University of Illinois where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in music and her master’s degree in music education in 1975 and 1976, respectively. She taught school in the Manito, AlWood and Knoxville school districts.

During her incredible life, Laurie touched the hearts of so many as a musician, teacher, and most of all, a devoted wife, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an accomplished piano accompanist for many organizations that included the Knox Choir and the Carl Sandburg Children’s Choir, as well as accompanying students at Solo and Ensemble. When she stopped accompanying groups she continued playing piano for her own enjoyment, and she also played for her two schnauzers, Schatten and Dopper, who would always sing along.

As a true professional she was interested and enjoyed the music but she loved the mechanics of playing. Whenever she went to a piano recital or concert she always wanted to sit on the side where she could look over the pianist’s shoulder.

As her girls were growing up they were involved in the school’s band programs where Laurie would volunteer to coach the flutes in their sectional meetings. She was also a beloved “band mom” assisting students with performances, ensuring that everyone was supported and encouraged throughout.

Laurie was relishing the time she had as a grandmother. Her two granddaughters were a vital part of her life, and she always made sure to shower them with love and spoil them with presents, especially M&Ms. Beyond providing thoughtful gifts and candy, Laurie cared deeply for her granddaughters in a way that only “Nana” could show.

She never met a dog she didn’t like. She called her daughters’ dogs, Barkley and Chewie, her grandpups, and always made sure she was armed with their favorite toys and treats. Her daily meetings with Daisy, a local cocker spaniel, as she walked by the house were always a highlight of her day, and vice versa. To adequately summarize Laurie’s impact on the world around her is impossible, but every person she touched is better for simply having known her.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel with Vincent Peters officiating.

Her cremated remains were scattered off the Kona Coast, Hawaii on Saturday, July 8 at 4:00PM HST.