William Pearson Martin went to be with the Lord May 9, 2014, surrounded by the love of his family and friends in Orlando, Florida, not far from Celebration, Florida, the community he has called home since 2012.  Pearson was 11 years old.
He will be deeply missed by his parents, William Derek Martin and Shana Shockley Martin of Celebration, Fl., and by his adoring sisters, Erin Claire Martin, 7, and Leighton Grace Martin, 9 months.
His grandparents, who lovingly shared so many beautiful moments with Pearson at their homes in Bainbridge, are Ruth Venable Martin, Vance Rudy Martin (deceased), and Charles and Bobbie Shockley.  He is also survived by his Great Aunt and Uncle Carolyn and Don Asbell, and Great Aunt Jean Wingard.  Pearson’s supportive Aunts and Uncles are Charla and Newton Cranford, Jeff and Kim Martin, Shea Shockley, and Elizabeth and Patrick Johnston.  Pearson was also blessed to have 11 first cousins.
Pearson, known as “P” to his friends, was born in Columbus, Georgia on Dec. 24, 2002. Pearson attended John Johnson Elementary School before moving to Celebration, Florida in 2012, where he attended Celebration K-8 and easily made new friends and lasting impressions.  He enjoyed the simple treasures of life, such as fishing, swimming, and an abundance of video games.  He thrived in the company of friends and feasting on the finer delicacies of life, such as a delicious steak, mom’s carrot soufflé, salted caramel ice cream, and of course, Starbuck’s lattes whenever the moment allowed.
Throughout his life, Pearson made a significant impact on all of the people who he came into contact with, whether it was for a fleeting moment or over the course of many years.  Pearson was a fighter.  His courage and perseverance could rival any adult and his wit and humor filled the room with laughter and light.  Pearson was brave.  He was strong.  He personified his life verse and could be heard quoting it during small and large trials:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.  Yet it was his tender and loving persona that made Pearson simply irresistible.
Services:  A celebration of Pearson’s life was conducted by Rev. Dr. William A. Lewis at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Community Presbyterian Church of Celebration, 511 Celebration Avenue Blvd., Celebration, Florida 34747. Burial followed at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789. Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Ivanhoe Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to celebrate P’s life may do so by donating to either Noah’s Light Foundation, 446 West Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL, 34786 or to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Arnold Palmer Hospital, 92 West Miller Street, MP 318, Orlando, Florida, 32806 (in memory of Pearson Martin).
It is with our deepest gratitude that we extend thanks to our immediate families, Dr. Amy Smith, Hillary Bess, Michele Ritchie, and the community of friends from Bainbridge and Celebration. We could not have journeyed this road without your love and support.