Former Oklahoma Baptist University staff member Beverly Pearson died Tuesday, March 18, after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 71.

A native of Nashville, Tenn., Pearson served at OBU from 1981-88. She served as director of cooperative education and an instructor in business administration.

Her husband, Jack Pearson, is OBU professor emeritus of music. Pearson joined the faculty in 1967, and directed of the Bisonette Glee Club for 32 years.

Beverly taught business education at Shawnee High School from 1970-81. She earned a bachelor's degree at OBU and a master's degree in business education at Oklahoma State University.

Along with her husband, Pearson is survived by her three daughters and two sons-in-law, Lesli and William Underwood of Macon, Ga., Lauri Pearson of Nashville, Tenn., and Lisa and John Cullison of Lawton, Okla.; and four grandchildren, Jessica and William Underwood and Emily and John Cullison.

A memorial service will be at Shawnee's University Baptist Church on Saturday, March 22, at 2 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Beverly Pearson Memorial Fund at Oklahoma Baptist University, care of OBU Development Office, 500 W. University, Shawnee, OK 74804. Or call the OBU Development Office at 405.878.2703.