Amherst, MA – Wilbur Buckner Pearson, Jr., of Amherst, MA, died on February 4, 2026, after a brief hospitalization. He was born January 29, 1940 in St. Louis, MO, to Elise Marie and Wilbur Buckner Pearson, Sr. He spent his formative years in Columbus, MS.
Wilbur is survived by his brother Dennis Pearson of Marshville, NC, his sister Charme (Ken) Tate of St. Augustine, FL, and his wife, Barbara Zurer Pearson, as well as his children, Samantha Pearson (Stephen Buonopane) of Lewisburg, PA, and R. Zachary Pearson (Luanna Vianna) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and grandchildren, Elijah, Ella, and Daphne Pearson-Martinez, Seth Martinez, and Ezra and Hazel Buonopane.
Wilbur attended architecture school at Auburn, USC, and MIT. He initially worked as an architect, before transitioning to being an architectural perspectivist. After thirty years in Miami, FL, he and Barbara moved to Amherst, where he devoted himself largely to life drawing.
He was a man of few words, but still communicated his love and care for the people around him. He will be remembered for having the gentle soul of an artist.
He was buried in Highland Woods (Green) Cemetery in Montague.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Planned Parenthood League of MA, Southern Poverty Law Center, or League of American Bicyclists.
For a full obituary, visit https:/www.legacy.com/legacy/wilbur-pearson-jr
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