Mother Pearlie Mae Gathon

August 22, 1919 - October 2, 2020

Pearlie Mae Gathon, the beloved daughter, of the late Ruben “Rufus” Owens and Frankie Clark Owens was born August 22, 1919 in Grady, Arkansas. The last of eleven siblings, she lived a full and joyous life for 101 years and praised God every day for blessings and longevity. She attended public schools in Grady, Arkansas. Pearlie was married to Charlie Gathon of Grady, Arkansas, he preceded her in death in the 80’s. She worked on a farm as a share-cropper for many years, and later as a cook/chef until she retired. Mother Gathon loved cooking, fishing, doing Word Search Puzzles, quilting, and sewing. As she was raising her children, she made most of her daughters’ beautiful dresses. Pearlie accepted Christ as her personal Savior as a child, at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church in Grady, Arkansas. Later she joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Pickens, Arkansas in the early 40’s, participating in the choir, lady’s family church grounds dinners and hosting Pastoral Home Dinners. Prior to moving to Saginaw, Pearlie was an Eastern Star in Desha County Arkansas. She was also a member of the Saginaw NAACP for years. Finally joining Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Saginaw, Michigan in 1969 under the leadership of the late Pastor R.B. Austin and currently under the leadership of Pastor Blake Strozier. While at Tabernacle she served in the choir, Mission Ministry, the Mother’s Board, a Prayer and Bible study participant and Sunday School student. She continued her faith, prayers and love of God until her death. Pearlie’s memory lives on through her three daughters, Dorothy N. Bragg of Junction City, KS, Helene Reese-George (James) of Dallas, TX; and Deborah R. Adams of Saginaw, MI; one god-son, Michael Alford of Grand Rapids, MI; 12 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren; two first cousins, a host of nephews, nieces, second, third and fourth cousins, a host of other relatives and friends including dear friend, Clotile Mounger. Pearlie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Ronnie R. Adams; brothers, James (Charlie) Owens, Garland White, Albert, Alfred and Ruben Owens; sisters, Cora Owens, Roberta Smith, Frankie Packard, Lillie Mae Jenkins and Annie B. Harris. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607. Pastor Blake Strozier will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at funeral home on Monday from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.