MRS. MARY ANN PESTERFIELD, 83, of Summerville, Georgia died Saturday, January 30, 2009, morning in a Rome hospital, while surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Summerville, Georgia on February 22, 1926, the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. William King, Sr. She was graduated from Georgia State College for Women and taught 4th grade at Summerville Elementary School for 30 years. She received her Masters of Education from the University of Georgia, and was honored as Chattooga County Star Teacher in 1971. In 1975 she married E.C. Pesterfield, Sr. who preceded her in death June , 1991. Mrs. Pesterfield was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Iota Chapter, Chattooga County Retired Teachers Association and Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Trion, Georgia.

Survivors include son-Thomas E. Neal, Athens; step daughter-Mrs. Kirk (Anne Pesterfield) Krueger, Trion; step son-J. David Pesterfield, Florida; nieces-Betsy King Dellenback and Mrs. Malcolm (Lucy King) Lee, Summerville, & Mrs. Marvin (Mary King) Czentnar, Rome; sister-in-law-Mrs. John William (Elliott) King, Jr., Summerville; her brother, John William King, Jr. and step son, E. Charles Pesterfield, Jr. preceded Her in death. Grandchildren, Mrs. Douglas (Lyn Pesterfield) Murajda, Boiling Springs, S.C., Susanne Pesterfield, and Margaret Pesterfield, Atlanta, and William Krueger and Anna Krueger, Chapel Hill, N.C. Great Grandchildren-Jessica Pesterfield, Atlanta and John Savor, Boiling Springs, S.C.; six Great Nieces, Three Great Nephews, one Great Great Niece, and five Great Great Nephews also survive. Mrs. James (Elizabeth King) Abney is her one surviving first cousin.

Mrs. Pesterfield loved being surrounded by the laughter and joy of her numerous great (and great great) nieces and nephews and always encouraged them to enjoy life’s blessings and to do their best as they followed their dreams. Her love of nature was evidenced by the many birds attracted to her homes in Gore and in Summerville. The following gentlemen have been asked to serve as active pallbearers Adam Burdick, J Norris, John Oxford, James King Abney, Rob Dellenback, and Kelly Jordan; honorary pallbearers-James R. (Bud) Jackson, Sam Jones, and David Jones.

Family and extended family will receive friends at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service and Celebration of Life at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Earle RainwaterFuneral Home with Rev. Stephanie Pace, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Trion presiding. Margaret-Elliotte Czentnar, great niece, will provide a trumpet prelude and special music selected for the service by Mrs. Pesterfield. Interment will follow at Summerville Cemetery. The Family respectfully request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Trion, Georgia.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge.