Pearson Reese Whitaker

Our beloved son, Pearson Reese Whitaker, 23, of Gastonia, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at his home in Palm Coast, Florida.

Pearson is survived by his parents John and Amy Whitaker of Gastonia; Siblings, Ian Whitaker, Peyton Whitaker, Madison Whitaker, and Kristin Cox, as well as her husband Corey. Nieces, and nephews,, Lukas•Hayes Cala, Lillian•Reese Cala, Ellison•Kate Cox and Charlotte•Adelaide Cox. In addition, Pearson is also survived by his maternal uncle and aunt, David and Manda Stegall; cousins, Owen and Ava; maternal grandmother, Rebecca Keene Stegall; .paternal uncle, aunt, and cousin Kris, Amber and Alyssa Widenhouse, and paternal grandparents, Keith Widenhouse and Sue Widenhouse. Pearson was preceded in death by his birth father Dr. Bryant Keith Widenhouse and maternal grandfather Robert Gary Stegall.  

Having overcome childhood leukemia at a very young age, Pearson’s fighting spirit, engaging personality, undeniable wit and charm were trademarks of his demeanor. He loved deeply and with his whole heart. At the tender age 6yo, he knelt down on his little knobby knees, arms folded in front of him and elbows resting on the seat of our leather sofa, alongside his 18-month older brother, Ian… There they knelt, as I quietly waited around the corner intently listening… I could not have fathomed what would happen next… Our eldest Ian led his baby brother Pearson to Christ… NO thing and NO one can take my sweet boy from his eternal resting place, in Heaven… It was sealed in stone, written in the good book that day, 18 years ago… I will see him again in glory once my time is up… My prayer is, that we ALL will see him again together there…  

A viewing will be held as follows : City Church Amphitheater, 3100 City Church Street Gastonia , North Carolina, Friday, September 22, 2023 from 2pm-3pm with an outdoor memorial service that with commence promptly at 3pm. Please bring a lawn chair and join us in celebration of life service for our beloved son, { Pearson ). Interment will be private.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com