Pearlie M. Whitfield, at the blessed age of 80 years old, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 17, 2022, with loved ones by her side. She was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and was the oldest of six children. Pearlie grew up in a loving community and accepted Christ at a young age at White’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Pearlie left Mississippi to serve in the US Air Force, where she met and married Terry Whitfield. To this union, God blessed them with two loving daughters, Monica and Veronica.

With an honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Pearlie moved to Akron with her family, where she was employed by the United States Postal Service, and retiring with 34 years of service.

Pearlie was a member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Akron, where she served in many capacities; as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Director of Vacation Bible School and founder of the Black History Month Celebration.

Her love for God, family, and community was unprecedented and she enjoyed using her gifts and talents until her health did not allow her to do so. She was a loving and doting grandmother, who always reminded her grandchildren to “walk like they owned the world.” Many in the family can remember being summoned to Aunt Pearlie’s house for a meeting of the minds, at the kitchen table wanting to know how you were doing and what you were doing with your life. Although that table changed over the years, you knew her love and care for you remained the same. Pearlie even enjoyed participating in a good line dance at family events, which always gave her a big chuckle. In the community, she served as a member and on the Board of Directors of the Black Women’s Leadership Caucus, a board member of Love, In the Name of Christ (Love, INC), a member of Project Ujima, spearheading projects like the African-American Read-In, a founding member and President of the Block Club for her street and a host of other community activities. Pearlie was concerned about the education of young people and was adamant about young people accessing and using education to their advantage. She was an enduring advocate for children from early childhood, through elementary, middle and high school, showing up at PTA meetings, participating in fundraisers, to rallying the community to conduct a prayer vigil for a local high school. Even during her retirement years, she volunteered as a tutor in Akron Public Schools. She was an inspiration to many and at the age of 65 years old, she completed her own lifelong educational dream and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors from Hiram College.

Pearlie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Gertrude Patton; mother, Gladys Patton; sister, Hattie M. Patton and brother, Melvin Patton.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Monica (Mark) Amponsah of Ghana, West Africa and Veronica Whitfield of Akron, OH; brothers, Charles (Linda) Patton and Samuel Patton; sister, LaSharne Patton all of Jackson, Mississippi; two granddaughters, Obaa Amponsah and Akua Amponsah and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.