Pearline M. Smith

On February 20, 2013, in the company of her daughter, Hazel and son-in-law, Walter McCain, heaven summoned the angels to bring one of God’s most precious treasures home. The angel said to her, “it’s time for you to take your rest.” PEARLINE MAGGIE SMITH was given in birth to her late parents, Samuel Westley and Elizabeth Carey in Hague, Westmoreland County, Virginia on March 6, 1917. She received her GED at Baltimore Community College after attending public school in Westmoreland, Virginia. She continued to broaded her horizons via attending conferences, seminars and other educational events. She worked in a variety of work settings, including employment with the Federal Government at Edgewood Arson Military Base; and retired as a Seamstress at Goucher College at age sixty-five. Pearline gave her life to Christ at a very young age and was active throughout her Christian experience. She continued her walk with Christ after joining the Calvary Baptist Church where her late uncle, Rev. Richard T. Reed pastored. Pearl, as she was called by her siblings, served at Calvary as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, president of Missionary Ministry, and deaconess. And, of course, she served in the earlier, lean years wherever she was needed. She was loved by the young and senior ladies of the church because of her ability to reach out in genuine love and engage them. Pearl was serious about her calling as a Missionary as she would work tirelessly visiting the elderly and sick. The weather nor circumstances did not stop her from saying tp her daughter, Hazel, “come on, we have got to visit sister or brother… “ When her siblings or friends were looking for some place to eat or just to visit, they would usually congregate at Sister Pearl’s home. Her warm and friendly smile was an attraction; but it was really her fried chicken, collard greens, mash potatoes and sweet potato pie that lured them. The lady could burn! She not only fed the body, but she was an encourager and motivator. Pearl understood the need to develop the body, soul and spirit. Her extra curricular activities included speaking and educating the public about then importance of voting. She served as a judge at the election polls until she became too old to serve. However, she continued to stress to young girls and boys the importance of continuing in school and striving to be the best you can be. Although she was limited with dementia, she had an amazing mind. At age ninety-five, she joined her daughter and son while listening to an Evangelist teach. We simply smiled as she requested pen and paper. At the conclusion of the instructions, we were astonished that her notes were clearer than ours! Pearline leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Hazel McCain (Walter); son, Pastor, Robert L. Smith (Adalaide); grandson, Robert Derek Smith (Ada); great-grandsons, Robert Isaiah Smith, Christian Xavier Smith and Julian Marquis Smith; two sisters, Mary Calloway and Jessie Artson; brother, Otis Carey (Cecelia); two brothers-in-law, Carol Smith and Henry Smith; sister-in-law, Beulah Lewis; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Pearline M. Smith

March 6, 1917 - February 20, 2013