Funeral Service for Mrs. Pearlie Orr Sanders will be held February 26, 2022 at St. Mark A.M.E Church 3605 Campbellton Rd. SW Atlanta, Ga. 30331. All participants must wear a mask to attend service. Services entrusted to Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home, Chapel and Cremation Services 3047 Campbellton Rd. SW Atlanta, Ga. 30311. Interment Westview Cemetery.

A chapter completed, a page turned; a life well-lived, a rest well earned. On February 15, 2022, Pearlie Elizabeth Orr Sanders ended her earthly journey and began her journey to a place of serene joy and happiness in the presence of the Lord.

Pearlie Orr Sanders, the daughter of the late Howard and Martha Orr, was born July 31, 1943, in Toccoa, Georgia.

Pearlie, lovingly known as “Tinky” by family and friends, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta in 1960. She pursued higher education at the illustrious Spelman College, earning her B.A. in 1964 and an M.A. degree from Atlanta University (currently Clark Atlanta University).

During her Freshman year at Spelman, she met the love of her life, Henry O. Sanders. They were later united in holy matrimony in April of 1965. From this union, two children were born — Henry Anthony (Tony) Sanders and Michael Gregory Sanders. They enjoyed attending family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and traveling together.

Pearlie enjoyed her work as a teacher with the Atlanta Board of Education, where she cultivated young minds at John Hope, Garden Hills, and Peter James Bryant Elementary Schools. After thirty-plus years of teaching, she retired in 1995 and enjoyed spending more time with her beloved mother, father, and grandchildren.

She began her spiritual journey at an early age. While attending St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Pearlie was a member of the usher board and dutifully worked as a stewardess. As her health declined, she remained faithful to her Lord and Savior.

In addition to her servitude to Christ, she was initiated in the Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She enthusiastically participated in several community service activities, fundraisers, and galas.

Pearlie was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Martha Orr; her brother, Howard Orr Jr.; her husband, Henry “Sonny” Sanders, as well as her son, Henry Anthony “Tony” Sanders.

Pearlie’s memory will be lovingly cherished and sustained by her son, Michael Sanders (Amenta); four grandchildren, Joyné Brianna, Maliyah, Mekhi, Milan, and a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends.