Ruccell Pearson Obituary

Ruccell Pearson

December 31, 1925 - January 15, 2025

Ruccell Pearson died Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Ruccell was born in Waterloo, Iowa ninety-nine years ago, a beautiful rose blossomed into the arms of her loving parents, William D. and Ella (Green) Commack on December 31, 1925, in the person of Ruccell Pearson.

At an early age Ruccell accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church. Ruccell was a treasurer of the Antioch Baptist Missionary Ministry. When her health declined, she became an honorary member of the Missionary Ministry. Ruccell attended Waterloo Public Schools.

Ruccell married Elbert William Pearson, the love of her life. This Holy Matrimony occurred on September 18, 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas. They were excited to start their new lives together and they enjoyed 74 years and nine months together prior to Elbert's transition on Father's Day, June 18, 2017.

Ruccell worked in the dietary department at Schoitz Memorial Hospital until she retired. After retirement, Ruccell enjoyed bowling, traveling with her family and friends, cooking, baking, engaging in arts and crafts, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruccell was a loving, caring, and giving person, however, she was never afraid to express her opinion. Ruccell loved her family and extended family, and cherished time spent with them. She also enjoyed planning and participating in the Commack's Clan Biennial Family Reunion.

Remaining to celebrate Ruccell's memory, sons: Alvin Pearson of Chicago, Illinois, Richard (Nancy) Pearson of Richton Park, Illinois, and Ansaar Shabazz of Waterloo, Iowa; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Delores Commack and Ellen Commack; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruccell was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert William Pearson Sr.; parents, William and Eliza Commack; two sons: Ray Moore and Elbert Pearson Jr.; two sisters: Josephine Vivians and Mardena Banks; four brothers: Samuel, Donald, James and Paul; and two grandsons: Anthony Heffner and Joey Moore.

Ruccell was blessed to have loving caregivers, son, Ansaar Shabazz, primary caregiver who moved back to Waterloo from Chicago in 2015 to take care of mom; sister-in-law, Delores Commack; niece, Rhonda Saffold; family friend, Charlotte Afrifa; and senior companion, Carol McDonald.

Ruccell Pearson was a pillar of the community that touched the soul of everyone that knew her. She will be remembered as a strong woman of faith and a matriarch of her family who will be missed by all.

Funeral Services: 10 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church with burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitations: 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Sanders Funeral Service, 1701 East 4th Street, Waterloo, and for one hour prior to service at the church on Friday. Sanders Funeral Service is assisting the family.