North Devon Journal – Thursday 14 January 1886 OKEHAMPTON.

OKEHAMPTON, Death of Miss Ann Pearse.—We have to record the death of Miss Ann Pearse, which took place at her residence, the Villas, Station-road, Okehampton, on Saturday afternoon.

The deceased lady was the sister of Mr. William Pearse, of Plymouth, and the late Mr. John Pearse (Dingley, Pearse and Company, bankers), of Hatherleigh.

She was an ardent philanthropist and a subscriber to all movements for good, taking special interest in the temperance cause. The poor will miss the help of a true friend, and her cheery presence will no longer lighten the gloom of want and sorrow.

North Devon Journal – Thursday 21 January 1886

The Late Miss Pearse.-On Wednesday in last week the mortal remains Miss Anne Pearse were interred the Sticklepath burying ground. The funeral cortege left the house, 3 Park Villa, at 10 30.

There were eight carriages the Ist containing Mr. W Pearse of Tavistock (brother), Mr. W. Pearse (nephew) Mrs Pearse (sister-law), Miss Pearse Tavistock (niece); 2nd carriage Major and Mrs. Pearse (nephews), Miss Pearse (neice)

3rd carriage Mr H. Pearse, Tavistock (nephew)Misses Pearse (2), and Dr. Thompson, of Bideford (a near relative); 4th Mr Pethybridge, of Launceston, Mr.and Mrs Moor, of Plymouth 5th Mr W Burd, Dr.G.V.Burd, Dr Worthy, Dr G. Worthy, Tavistock, Mr T. WorthyMr W. Yeo, the rest containing friends of the deceased.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr H Geen, Okehampton. The hearse and carriages were supplied by Mrs Stanbury, White Hart Hotel. The coffin was literally covered with wreaths.

The late Miss Pearse was the daughter of George Pearse of Sticklepath who in the early part of the present century carried on an extensive business as a manufacturer of woollens and serges. Miss Pearse was a zealous Nonconformist and always displayed much zeal and earnestness in disseminating religious truths amongst all with whom she came in contact. The deceased lady took an active part in district visiting, in the distribution of tracts and in promoting Temperance principles regardless of personal considerations. As the mournful procession passed through the town the bell was tolled at St. James’s Chapel, blinds were drawn and all the shops were partly closed.