McClendon, Pearl Wilson

Pearl Wilson McClendon, 97, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Mount Vernon, died Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, from complications due to COPD. Memorial graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 7, in the Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon, is in charge of arrangements.

Surviving Pearl are two nephews, Jim (Carrie) Maxson and John (Marilyn) Maxson; a niece, Jane Penfield; three great-nephews; and three great-great-nephews.

Preceding Pearl is death were her husband, Faye; parents; sister, Eola and her husband, Don Maxson; and stepfather, John McClellend.

Pearl was born May 23, 1914, in Eola, Okla., the daughter of Oscar and Florence (Johnson) Wilson. She married Robert L. “Faye” McClendon on Jan. 8, 1936, in Oklahoma City, living most of their lives in Sallisaw, Okla.

Pearl was a deeply religious woman and witnessed her faith her entire life. Her love of God and children enabled her and Mary Jo Trudeau to start the Pre-K Sunday school at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sallisaw, Okla. Over the years she formed lifelong bonds with these children and their families. In 1992, Pearl moved to Mount Vernon and continued her fellowship, attending Immanuel Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids.

Friends were an important part of Miss Pearl's life. When you became her friend you became family. In her later years those friends that were closest to her heart were Roy and Beth Fair, Dawn Lilley and Mary Jane Jones.

Those of us who knew Pearl knew that she was “full of it.” She was fun-loving, stubbord and quick-witted. She had a gentle soul and a sharp mind that recalled in detail the events that shaped her life.

As a homemaker her hobbies included fishing, crocheting, quilt-making, baking and making her prized turtles at Christmas. In Sallisaw, she had been the No. 1 fan of the Flame Fighters baseball team.

Aunt Pearl wouldn't want any of us to fuss over her passing; well maybe just a little. Today and every day, hug a loved one, call a friend, look in wonder at God's creation and think of Pearl and smile.

In place of flowers, please send a donation in Pearl's name to Hospice Compassus, 610 32nd Ave. SW, Suite F, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 or Immanuel Baptist Church, 1900 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

A celebration of Pearl's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, in the community room of Cedar Village Apartments, 193 Jacolyn Dr. NW.