Eugene Moses Pearson

Reverend Eugene Moses Pearson

Reverend Eugene Moses Pearson was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on the evening of Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Casey House Montgomery Hospice, following a long illness. He departed this life to rest from his labor and entered into eternal reward.

Born on April 21, 1933, Reverend Pearson was the son of the late Reverend Sedgewick Pearson and the late Mrs. Odelia Maggie Smith Pearson. He was one of seven siblings, five of whom preceded him in death: Reverend Chester L. Pearson, Reverend Samuel Pearson, Wilbur Pearson, Mildred Pearson, and Viola Pearson Williams.

Reverend Pearson met the love of his life and ministry partner, the late Mrs. Betty Joyce Patterson Pearson, while serving as a Deacon. Their paths crossed at First Baptist Church in Roslyn, Virginia, where he had accompanied his brother. They were united in holy matrimony on March 11, 1967, by his father-in-law, the late Reverend Carl M. Patterson, Sr., at First Baptist Church in its new location on Minnesota Avenue, SE. Their union spanned over 46 years until her passing in 2013. Together, they were blessed with two children, Eugene Everett and Monica Diane. He was also a devoted father to Derrick Eugene, his son from a previous marriage.

A native Washingtonian raised in Merrifield, Virginia, Reverend Pearson attended Manassas High School for two years before enlisting in the United States Army. On May 19, 1950, he joined the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division and honorably served for three years until his discharge on May 18, 1953. Upon returning home, Reverend Pearson was employed by the United States Department of Defense Protective Service as a Federal Police Officer at the Pentagon. For nearly 40 years, he held this position until his retirement in January 1999.  Reverend Pearson also completed his GED and pursued higher education with great distinction.

Reverend Pearson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Business Administration from Howard University and a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University School of Divinity. He also studied at Virginia Union University, American University, and later pursued graduate coursework in counseling at The Catholic University of America. A gifted orator, he was honored with the Walcott Calkins Award from Yale for Clear and Vigorous Pulpit Speaking. He served on the Yale Worship Committee and as Treasurer of the Black Seminarians. Notably, he held the position of Assistant Treasurer for the Democratic Committee supporting a seminarian’s campaign for Alderman of New Haven’s 19th Ward.

Reverend Pearson was ordained in 1966 at First Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of the late Reverend Carl M. Patterson, Sr. Throughout his extensive ministry, he served as pastor of Willie Chapel Baptist Church (Lancaster, VA), St. John Baptist Church (Arlington, VA), Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Washington, D.C.), and as the founding pastor of New Second Baptist Mission in Washington, D.C., organized in 1978. He also served as Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church under Reverend Patterson and ministered alongside other prominent pastors, including the late Reverend James McMillon of St. James Baptist Church (South Norwalk, CT) and the late Reverend William Kenney of Shiloh Baptist Church (Bridgeport, CT).

After decades of impactful service, Reverend Pearson retired in 2009 as Pastor of New Second Baptist Church. In retirement, he remained active in the ministry. He worshiped with Hunger and Thirst Praise and Worship Center in Bowie, MD, and Greater Christian Fellowship Church in Cambridge, MD, where his daughter and son-in-law, Pastor Turhan and Co-Pastor Monica D. Potter, serve. Upon relocating to Olney, Maryland in 2014, he joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Aldie, VA, where his son, Reverend Eugene E. Pearson, is Pastor. There, Reverend Pearson continued to preach, teach Bible study, and support various ministries as an Associate Minister.

A faithful servant of God, Reverend Pearson was known for his anointed preaching, powerful teaching, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the gospel. He was a builder, administrator, counselor, and friend. His mission was clear: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and win souls through preaching, teaching, and daily living. He embodied the essence of being one of "God’s Special Chosen Few."

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children: Derrick Eugene Pearson; Reverend Eugene Everett Pearson (Marietta T. Pearson); and Reverend Monica Diane Potter (Reverend Dr. Turhan Potter, Sr.); grandchildren: Reverend Dr. Shakina D. Rawlings (Deacon Dawud Rawlings), Shari Pearson, David Pearson, Joycelyn Pearson, Alyssa Potter, and Turhan “TJ” Potter Jr.; and great-grandchildren: Amena Rawlings and Dawud Rawlings II.

He is also survived by his brother, Reverend Matthew Joshua Pearson; brother-in-law, Carl M. Patterson, Jr.; godchildren: Lavonda Humphries and Emmanuel Razar III; and dear family friends: Nellie Crump Thomas, Norris & Janice Tyler, Jr., Yvonne Morgan, and Elmina Dunn. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family also mourn his loss and celebrate his life and legacy.

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