Pearl Whitaker, born Pearl Parrish on June 4, 1947, passed away from her earthly life for her heavenly one, at 1:10 pm on Friday, March 17, 2023; surrounded by her family. Pearl is survived by her daughter, Cherie Williams (Brian Williams). Pearl's Grandchildren are Jessica Autumn, Paigee Sarah (preceded her in death 12/12/2015) and Gabriel Brian. Her Great Grandchildren are Malachi David, Jacob Paul, and Maxwell Ryder. Her siblings is a long list on her father's side (Stewart Parrish 8/2/1888-1/29/1985): Austin, Raymond, Mary Belle, Pauline, Clarence, Grover, William, Ruth, Erma, Stanley, and Leonard. Pearl's mom, (Wilma Charlotta was born in 1918 and passed 1/27/1973) had: Ronald, Arlene, Shirley, Barbara, Sharon, Sandi, and Pearl.
She was born in Coshocton, Ohio to Stewart and Wilma Parrish. They moved to Pittsfield, Illinois where Pearl attended Pittsfield Jr. High and Pittsfield High School. Her father was a dairy farmer, so Pearl grew up a country girl with plenty to keep her busy.
Pearl was such a people person! She never met a stranger…ever! She had a lot of endearing love to give. Within 5 minutes on the phone with an insurance person, or a stranger she met out and about; she knew their name, their spouse and kids! Pearl had many deep friendships. Patti Ann was her BFF from school and all the way up to their older years. She had nicknames for a couple friends, Bones (Mona), Rocky (Doris), and Bubbles (Anna). Mom had a later in life friend she called him bro and he called her Sunshine; which was appropriate considering her warm personality.
Though she was only able to have one child, many more were adopted along the way. She was mom to my cousins, the neighborhood kids, and even a couple closer to her age called her mom. The same went for her grandchildren. One grandchild called her grandma, another nana, and yet another Gramma. Pearl's great grandchildren were the same way. She was called G.G. Nena, and G.G. She has "extra" great grandchildren added along the way also that called her G.G. Pearl never missed a baseball or softball game with her grandkids or a school play. My mom was mama to me; Gypsy Pearl to her friends in her younger years (she was always taking off somewhere); Alley Rat (she would avoid stoplights at all costs); and could call herself a dance champion, for winning a dance contest with a partner doing the Charleston!
Pearl allowed her love to overflow in her jobs. She was a waitress for over 40 years! She was also in sales, a store clerk, and even became a private duty nurse aide at a rest home. As additional jobs were needed at times throughout the years; Pearl worked for three different sales companies, selling housewares, clothing, and arranging parties. Pearl took accounting and typing at a JVS school in Coshocton to further her skillset. She had a very strong work ethic. Mom was married and divorced two times. She dated off and on over the years, but mostly she just worked hard to support me growing up. When she could no longer work (because of her disability); she travelled with friends and family and stayed single.
She had many talents. One of those was crocheting. Pearl spent many a Christmas season making blankets, slippers, and booties for upcoming babies. When I was 8 she taught me how, I would join her making those things as I got older. She crafted some too, making pot holders out of wrappers intertwined, and macramé.
Mom was such a good example of showing love, sacrifice, and empathy to me over my lifetime. I only wanted to help people in the same way for a living. My current job is taking care of clients and their needs. She lived with my family as she got older and more physically disabled. I wouldn't trade those years for anything. Mom was my treasure!
Visitation will be Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home, West Side Chapel, 3300 Park crest Lane, Cincinnati (45211) from 1:00 PM until the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Private burial services will be at a later date.
To share a memory of Pearl or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.