OBITUARY
Our Beloved Mother, Pearline (Edmond) Stallings-Johnson, Passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, at the age of 88.
Pearline was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on January 20, 1936, and was the only child born to Mary Sharp and Calvin Edmond. Her true name given at birth was Purley D. Edmond, named after her grandmother on her father side. Pearline, the name she chose for herself, was also known as Pearl. When Pearl was just an infant, she experienced a tremendous loss; her mother died from an incurable illness, and consequently, she was sent to be raised by her grandmother. While her grandmother provided Pearl with a loving home, unfortunately, at the age of 7, her grandmother passed away as well. These two significant losses at a young age would lay the foundation for Pearās resilient spirit, remarkable strength, and determination to survive.
After her grandmotherās death, Pearl was reunited with her father, Calvin, and her stepmother, Lucy Edmond, along with her half-sister Maryanne. Lucy, a loving grandmother to her children, played a significant role in Pearlās life. Despite meeting later in life, Pearl and her three half-sisters, Anne, Helen, and Earnestine, formed a bond that would endure beyond death.
Upon settling in Boston, Pearl began to build her legacy. She was a mother to nine children, starting with her firstborn, Andrea. Her children, Andrea, Paul, James, Charles, Freddy, Francine, Barbara, Moses, and Bernard brought her immense joy. Her children blessed her with over fifteen grandchildren, and they, in turn, blessed her with just as many great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called her āNanaā and were the light of her life.
Upon the resolution of Pearlās first marriage, she met and married James (Jimmy) Edgar Johnson. Together, Pearl and Jimmy enjoyed traveling and purchased their first home. Although she and Jimmy had no biological children together, he proved to be a good provider and supportive stepfather to all nine of her children. Pearl and Jimmy may not have realized it then, but their Crawford Street home would be the nucleus for unconditional love for so many. Over the years, Pearl touched many lives and opened her heart and home to countless people.
After Pearlās first husband remarried, she wholeheartedly welcomed Andrew and Valerieās children into her family. She created individual bonds with their children, all of whom affectionately referred to her as āMama Pearlā. She welcomed the companions of her children, provided a safe and loving environment for all her grandchildren, and never hesitated to offer a place to stay to anyone in need. To this day, Crawford Street remains a home base for all.
Pearl was an extremely hard worker who devoted her life to the service of others. As a well-known community activist, Pearl championed equal rights and fair treatment of women and people of color. Throughout her life, she worked as a certified nursing assistant, served adults with developmental disabilities, fostered troubled youth, counseled women who were victims of domestic violence, and served the homeless population. Pearline also had a relationship with The Lord. She was a long-time member of the Columbus Ave AME Zion Church. There, she enjoyed serving as an Usher on The Sadie Thornhill Usher Board and as a Missionary for The Edna Medley Rose Club.
Pearline was most notably known for her loving and undying dedication to her family. She instilled the importance of hard work, independence, and responsibility in her daughters. Pearl was fiercely protective of her sons, and they were even more protective of her. Pearl was also no stranger to tough love, determined to steer all her children on the right path; she ran her household with a strict, no-nonsense approach. Pearl never pulled any punches; you could always count on her to tell it like it was. Although Pearl cherished all her children, she was especially encouraging to her daughter, Francine. She was proud of Francineās decision to move to Newburyport, Massachusetts, and was an extensive support system for her and her kids. Pearl had a unique and special relationship with all her children, specifically her daughter, Barbara. She and Barbara lived together for many years, and together, she and Barbara raised Pearlās grandchildren, Steven, and Andrea. Barbara and Pearl lived together until Pearl suffered a stroke at the age of 80. While a St. Josephās Nursing and Rehab Facility resident, Barbara visited Pearl almost every day until her passing. While Pearl certainly made her mark
L O V I N G M E M O R I E S
on all her children, she was particularly fond of her youngest, Bernard. Bernard, who is affectionately known as āLittleā; was given his nickname by Pearl. As the youngest of nine, she often referred to him as āLittle Fella,ā which, over time, was shortened to āLittleā
Pearline established many friendships over the years. She cherished the friends she had made in church, enjoyed spending time at Marthaās Vineyard with her best friend and sister-in-law, Norma, and loved playing the slot machines at Foxwoods with her good friend and cograndmother, Sarah. In her younger days, she enjoyed sewing, making summer clothes for her children, and hosting fashion shows. Pearl also enjoyed gardening and tending her plants. She loved shopping, spending time, and cooking with her family. She enjoyed hosting holidays and serving as the hub for all family and friends.
Pearlās radiance glowed from inside and out. She was known for her pleasant demeanor, beautiful skin, witty sense of humor, elegance, style, and grace. To know her was to love her. She was always happy to see you and always offered a warm greeting. Pearl touched everyone she met. She was a kindhearted, gentle, and nurturing soul.
Although Pearl lived a blessed and fulfilled life with many highlights, she was no stranger to adversity and loss. Throughout her lifetime, she buried many loved ones, including five of her children. Despite these tremendous losses, Pearl was a pillar of strength, poise, and support for many. As we reflect on her life and her immeasurable impact on all of us, itās only fitting that she chose the name Pearl for herself. A pearl is a precious gem forged from irritation in the lining of an oyster shell. In the face of tremendous odds and despite lifeās āirritants,ā; emerged the loving wife, fantastic mother, caring sister, affectionate aunt, best grandmother, and supportive friend we know as the incomparable Pearline (Edmond) StallingsJohnson. Pearl was the heart and soul of her family, a rare gem, and she will be profoundly missed.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Reverend George C. Woodruff, Jr.ā¦Officiating Host Pastor
PROCESSIONAL
Invocation
Rev. George C. Woodruff, Jr.
Opening Hymn āBlessed Assuranceā
Scripture Readings
Old Testament-Psalm 133: 1-3
New Testament-1 John 4: 7-11
Prayer of Comfort
Rev. Randy Copelin
Solo - āHis Eye Is On The Sparrowā Rev. Ruthenia Tukes
Poem
Samaria Stallings Daughter-in-law
Reflections (Limit ā 2 Minutes Please) Family and Friends
Acknowledgments
Solo - āSpeak To Meā
Obituary
Sis. Linda White
Kyanna Lees Granddaughter
Solo - āPrecious Lordā Rev. Ruthenia Tukes
Eulogy
Final Viewing
Rev. George C. Woodruff, Jr.
RECESSIONAL
O R D E R O F S E R V I C E
Pearline is survived by her children, Charles Stallings and his wife, Sheila, Francine (Stallings) Cole, Barbara Stallings, Bernard Stallings and his wife, Samaria. Her sisters, Annie Edmond, and Earnestine Aderinto. Her Sister-in-law, Mary (Johnson)Hyman, and her husband, Syvalia. Her Grandchildren George Stallings, Antoine (Jamal)Stallings and his fiancƩ, Kei, Charles (Chuck) Stallings and his wife, Clara, Keta Irby, Paul Abrams, Danielle Stallings, Deshia White, Andrea Stallings, Kyanna Lees and her husband, Jon (Jack), Steven Stallings and his wife Holly, Joshua Williams and his FiancƩ, Kellie, Justin Cole and his FiancƩ, Jessica, and Giani Ragland, Skye Stallings. Pearline also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
Pearline was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Sharp, her grandmother, her father, and stepmother, Calvin, and Lucy Edmond. Her husband, James E. Johnson. Her Children: Paul Stallings, Frederick Stallings, James Stallings, Moses Stallings, and Andrea Stallings. Her sisters: Mary Anne Edmond and Helen Jean Kemp. Her sister-in-law, Norma Saunders, and her brothers-in-law: George Johnson, Christopher Johnson, and John Johnson. Her son-in-law, Wayne Cole, Jr., and her grandson, Reginald DePaul Cummings.
