Elder Jessie Darrough

DARROUGH, Elder Jessie - Age 80, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at McLaren - Flint. Family hour 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1035 E. Carpenter Rd., Pastor Alfred Harris Jr., presiding, Pastor Doloris Grays-Smith Eulogist. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy, Mt. Morris, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Wednesday. Elder Darrough will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Tuesday, with family present to receive friends from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM. HER LIFE & LEGACY With Those Left to Cherish Her Memory Elder Jessie Pearson-Darrough Obituary On September 7, 1945, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, God entrusted Johnnie Freddie Pearson and Naomi Whitehead-Pearson with a precious daughter who would grow to become a faithful servant, devoted wife, loving mother, respected Elder, gifted author, and pillar within her community. With hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, Elder Jessie Pearson-Darrough leaves behind a legacy of faith, wisdom, service, and unconditional love that will continue to shine through the generations she nurtured and inspired. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Freddie G. Darrough of Flint, Michigan, whose companionship and love blessed her later years. She was the loving mother of Terry Austin Payton, LaWanda Jo Payton-Davis, DeWayne Payton (Jazelle Payton), and Alicia Payton. She was also a devoted stepmother to Freddie Darrough, Kenneth Darrough, and Osborn Darrough. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Maurice Woodson III, Antwuan LeGardye, Roxanne Franklin-Woolley, Sophia Kapri Amodia, Aliah Stinnett, and Alexus Stinnett. She also leaves her cherished step-grandchildren, Mykel Darrough, Frashaun Darrough, Destiny Darrough, Tashima Darrough, Tariah Darrough, Kenneth Darrough, Kanea Darrough, Tamia Darrough, Omarion B. Darrough, Keymiyah Darrough, and Idela L. Darrough. She was further blessed to witness the joy of her great-grandchildren, Andrew Julian Alvarado, Dalylah Solario, Aiden LeGardye, and Alanna Wharton. She leaves behind her cherished sisters, Jeannie Pearson, Joyce Pearson, and Patricia Pearson Smith-Gelly; and her beloved brothers, Johnnie Freddie Pearson and James Edward Pearson. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry Wayne Pearson and Jeffrey Allen Pearson. She also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, spiritual sons and daughters, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her prayers, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering faith. Among those who held a special place in her heart were Tina Milton, the Dunam Family, and Tracey Murphy, along with countless others whose names may not appear here, but whose lives were deeply touched by her presence. Elder Darrough was an exceptional student and athlete. During her years in Germany, she excelled in both basketball and volleyball while pursuing her education. In the mid-1970s, she gave her life to Christ and never looked back. She dedicated nearly 21 years of service to General Motors while faithfully pursuing her calling in ministry. Under the tutelage of Pastor Burkett of Truelight Missionary Baptist Church, she began teaching in the youth and women's ministries. From 1996 to 1999, she co-facilitated the "Just For You" Deliverance Ministry for Hurting Women. Under the leadership of Pastor Randolph at Chevrolet Avenue Christian Center, she taught youth ministry and faithfully served on the Executive Board. For many years, she also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Genesee County Jail, ministering hope and encouragement to countless individuals. In 2006, she founded "Elect Ladies," an intercessory team of godly women dedicated to prayer and intercession. She later graduated from Victory Bible College with a two-year certificate and went on to teach some of the institution's most rigorous courses, including Bible Doctrine. A gifted writer, scholar, and lifelong student of God's Word, Elder Darrough was also a four-time published author whose writings reflected her deep faith, spiritual insight, and commitment to helping others grow in their walk with Christ. Through both the spoken and written word, she inspired, educated, and encouraged countless lives. Under the leadership of Pastor Connie Wilkerson and Pastor Recco Richardson at Lighthouse Tabernacle, she was appointed as an Elder and later ordained by Pastor Recco Richardson under a cloud of witnesses. As the culmination of a lifelong spiritual journey, Elder Darrough and her husband, Deacon Freddie Darrough, partnered together to found Dunamis Evangelistic Outreach under the guidance and mentorship of Pastor Clarence Lewis of New Beginnings Ministry. Her love was a shelter. Her wisdom was a compass. Her faith was a light. Though she has entered eternal rest, the seeds she planted through kindness, service, prayer, and love will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Elder Jessie Darrough

September 7, 1945 - May 26, 2026