ALBERT EDWARD PESSARRA

1934-2018

It is with heavy hearts yet happy memories that we announce the passing of Albert Edward Pessarra, having lost his brave battle with cancer on Oct. 31,2018. He is now in heaven in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

Al was born on Jan. 27, 1934, in Port Arthur, TX to Bert C. and Kate Perkins Pessarra. Al graduated from Port Arthur’s Thomas Jefferson High School where he lettered in football and baseball. Al graduated in 1956 from Baylor University. In 1958, Al graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and married his only love whom he met at Baylor, LaJuan Johnson, from Mart, Texas.

Over 40 years of ministry, Al was Minister of Activities and Recreation at Southern Baptist churches throughout Texas including Tallowood Baptist Houston (19761999); First Baptist Waco (1971-1976); Tarrytown Baptist Austin (1968-1970); and South Main Baptist Houston (1958-1966). He delighted in mentoring young people and senior citizens alike. His love of the Lord and of people guided his life. Al founded and coached the Kingdom Basketball League; led backpack, white water canoe, ski, and construction mission trips to Alaska, Germany, Czech Republic, Canada, Belize, Panama, and Mexico. Al was on the board of Trinity Pines Encampment, and was active in Kiwanas International. After retirement Al received recognition from the Houston Chronicle as Houston Hero of the Year for being an ideal neighbor.

Al is survived by his wife of 60 years LaJuan Johnson Pessarra, daughters Tamara Henderson and her husband Lee of Montgomery, Trisha Pessarra of Houston; and Tanya Phelps and her husband Shannon of Newnan, GA, his brother, Carl Pessarra of Shreveport, LA; and four grandchildren: Nathaniel, Micah, Ethan Henderson, and Sara Kate Phelps.

Our heartfelt thanks to Blue Star Hospice who cared for Al.

A memorial service honoring Al’s life will be held at Tallowood Baptist Church on Nov. 10 at 2 PM.