Pearl was born September 6, 1927, to the Lena Mae Gregory Hopkins and Shine Rimmer.

Pearl accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Plantation M.B. Church where she served as a faithful member until her health failed.

Pearl united in holy matrimony to her loving husband Clarence Merritt, Jr. for seventy-five years.

Pearl is preceded in death by her parents, Lena Gregory and Shine Rimmer; three sisters, Manerva Barksdale, Hattie Mae Ashford, Georgia Mae Cleveland; four brothers, James Willie Gregory, Charles Gregory, Lewis Gregory, Ezell Barksdale; two children, Leana Alston and Clarence Merritt; three grandchildren, Lendale Merritt, De'Marcus Merritt and Rusdel Alston.

Pearl leaves to cherish her memories: six children, Malissa Stewart, Janice Lattimore, Dorothea Merritt all of Ethel, MS, Doris (Mark) Stribling of Weir, MS, Dwight (Nell) Merritt of Ethel, MS, Jack Merritt of Davenport, IA; one sister, Bernice Kimbrough; one daughter-in-law, Emma Merritt; twenty-four grandchildren, sixty-seven great grandchildren, thirty-eight great great grandchildren, one great great great grandchildren, grandchild; De'Marquis (Smack) Merritt was her baby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

PLACE OF SERVICE: Plantation M.B. Church, Ethel, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday 03/02/2024 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: Plantation Cemetry, Ethel, MS

VIEWING: Friday 03/01/2024 at 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.