Cherished mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend, Pearlie Mae President (née Galloway) was called home on January 25, 2025, after 82 years of life, laughter, and love. Born to the late Almond (Alma) White (née Galloway) on February 4, 1942, in Charleston, Mississippi, Pearl was raised by her beloved grandparents, the late George and Maude Galloway, right alongside their youngest two children—Pearl’s ‘sister-aunts,’ Lilian Galloway and Magnolia Johnson. Upon graduating from Charleston High School in 1960, Pearl relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, with her late father, Frederick B. Hill.
With her sassy personality and her trademark Pearlie Mae smile, it wasn’t long before Pearl caught the attention of Alabama go-getter turned Cleveland entrepreneur Tonny President. Tonny and Pearlie married in 1966 and soon started their family with their first son, Dannie. A few years later, Anthony followed. In 1967, the family settled into their home on Parkedge Drive on the East Side of Cleveland—a home that remains in the family to this day.
While Pearl worked various jobs outside the home when the boys were younger, her greatest joy came from her unofficial role as ‘The Mayor of Parkedge.’ Pearlie found joy in homemaking and was masterful at it. Her home was always immaculate—not a speck of dust to be found. Her boys—along with their many friends—could always count on delicious, homemade meals, hot and ready. And her lawn was the pride of the neighborhood.
Because of her tremendous heart, as much as she loved and cared for her family and home, she extended that same love and care to her neighbors and friends. Pearl could often be found cooking dinner for Ms. Knight or driving her friend Willie to the store or doctor. She was the first person called if anybody got locked out, kicked out, or even cussed out. Especially after her sons left home—Dannie to play semi-professional football and Anthony to study at John Carroll University—Pearlie dedicated her time to caring for countless neighbors, both young and old. Pearlie was a mix between Florence Nightingale and Florence from The Jeffersons—she could read you up and down while frying a pan of chicken and folding a basket of laundry!
Because of the way she lived her life, Pearlie decided how she would be remembered:
Her neighbors will remember how she cared for them and always looked out for their best interests. Her friends will remember her quick wit, generous spirit, and magnetic smile.
Her sons will remember her unwavering love, support, and the countless sacrifices she made to give them everything they needed. Her grandkids will remember her boundless affection, laughter, and the countless sacrifices she made to give them everything they wanted.
Pearlie was preceded in death by her parents, Almond White and Frederick Hill, her loving grandparents, George and Maude Galloway, and her brother, Robert Lewis White.
To continue her legacy and cherish her memory, Pearlie leaves behind:
Her devoted sons, Dannie and Anthony (Cecilia) President. Her special ‘sister-aunts,’ Lilian Galloway and Magnolia Johnson. Her sister, Helen White Stewart. Her loving grandchildren: Carl Armstead, Sashay Thomas, Shay, Anthony Jr., Dai’Ja, Dannie Jr., La’Nya President, and Ari Foster. Her treasured great-grandchildren: Carl Jr. and Carshaun Armstead, Khameron Jones, and Kayden Thomas. Special cousin Irene Johnson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all over the country
A very special thanks to the teams at Hospice of the Western Reserve and Huntington Woods Care and Rehabilitation Center, who lovingly cared for Pearlie during her 6.5-year battle with Alzheimer’s.