A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF DR. JOSEPH M. "JAY" PEARSON, JR., OF FLORENCE, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THEir DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Joseph M. "Jay" Pearson, Jr., of Florence, at the age of 76. Having entered this world on January 23, 1947, he led a life of service before going home to be with his heavenly Father on December 1, 2023; and

Whereas, the son of a U.S. Air Force officer, Jay was born to Joseph and Frances Pearson, who with their children spent much of Jay's childhood outside of South Carolina before settling in Columbia. He attended A.C. Flora High School, where he met Ellen Walker, who would become his devoted life partner for the next sixty years; and

Whereas, in 1970, Jay Pearson graduated from the University of South Carolina, and in 1973, he graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, followed by a residency at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a fellowship at The Virginia Mason Clinic in Seattle, Washington, but God ultimately called Jay and Ellen to Florence, South Carolina; and

Whereas, during his medical career of forty-seven years in Florence, Dr. Jay Pearson served as chief of surgery and chief of staff at both McLeod Health and Bruce Hospital.  He also served on the Board of Trustees for McLeod Health.  His proudest recognitions were given by those he mentored and coached.  He received the McLeod Health Educator Mentor Award and the MUSC Unsung Hero Award, presented to him by the MUSC chief residents; and

Whereas, he was instrumental in establishing the McLeod Breast Health Program, which continues to provide lifesaving care across the Pee Dee; and

Whereas, further, Dr. Pearson was tireless in his advocacy for the medical profession and in his efforts to encourage others to clinical excellence. His legacy will continue through those he influenced and the many patients whose lives he saved; and

Whereas, Jay Pearson's deep faith and dedication to his church were evident in his more than forty years of involvement with First Presbyterian Church of Florence. His role as an elder and his contributions as a teacher to the Men's Only Sunday School Class reflect his commitment to spiritual growth; and

Whereas, Dr. Pearson leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife, Ellen Walker Pearson; his children and those he loved as children, Joe and Elizabeth Pearson, Wade and Parker Miller, Garland and Schipp Ames, and Amy and Jeff Murrell; his grandchildren, Evelyn and Frances Pearson, Lily and Hannah Miller, Schipman, Ellen, and Fielding Ames, Maggie, Allie, Grace, and Cate Murrell. His siblings included Jonny Pearson (Grace), Garland McWhirter (Pat), Peter Pearson, Corinne Taylor (Bruce), Deedi Coleman, Rob Walker (Melanie), and Rick McCain (Cindi).

The people of South Carolina were made better by Jay Pearson's service and influence and will greatly miss the impactful presence of this beloved physician. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Dr. Joseph M. "Jay" Pearson, Jr., of Florence, celebrate his life, and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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