Evangelist Pearl Howard was born on January 24, 1938, in Maben, Mississippi, to the late Ophelia and

Clifton Russell Sr. She accepted Christ at an early age and dedicated her life to serving the Lord and

uplifting others through ministry. Pearl was a woman of prayer, strength, wisdom, and deep

compassion.

She attended Fellowship Revival Center Full Gospel Holiness Mission Church under the late Bishop Bobby

Joe Williams and also attended Kneeway Pentecostal Church under the late Elder Willie McCoy Sr., and

Mt. Calvary Wheel of Compassion Ministries under the leadership of the late Archbishop Jerome N.

Scott Jr. Her faith and ministry continued to flourish in every season of her life.

Pearl was a faithful member of Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ, where she served diligently in

various capacities—always with a humble spirit and a heart full of love. Her compassion, wisdom, and

unwavering faith touched countless lives. She remained a devoted member of Freedom Temple until the

Lord called her home, faithfully serving the Lord and His people with grace and dedication.

She was known for her radiant smile, nurturing spirit, and steadfast belief that God could do anything

but fail. Her favorite scripture, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23), reflects the

life she lived—one of service, faith, and love.

Pearl attended school in the state of Mississippi, where she grew up in a family of hardworking

sharecroppers. In her early years, she used her gift for styling hair to serve family and friends in

Mississippi. In 1958, she moved to Chicago in search of new opportunities. There, she began working in

various industrial factories and later retired in her 60s.

However, Pearl felt that her career was incomplete and returned to the workforce by joining the

hospitality team at LaGrange Hospital. In addition to her regular duties at the hospital she found time to

minister to the spiritual needs of many patients. She was known for praying and ministering to patients.

The hospital administrators acknowledged her ministry work and appointed her as volunteer to the

Christian Ambassadors team. Patients would often tell Pearl how her prayers and acts of kindness

helped their healing. She truly enjoyed her work at the hospital, which gave her an opportunity to expand

her ministry.

Pearl was known for her wonderful sense of humor and her ability to make others laugh, whether at

work, at church, or among family. A true God-fearing woman, she taught many how to pray and

encouraged them to trust in the Lord. She shared a deep love for all of her siblings but had a particularly

special bond with Queen, Thelma, Estella, and Deborah.

Dedicated to her church, Pearl joyfully served in various capacities to support the ministry. She deeply

loved the church and found great joy in attending services and revivals—especially at the “shut-ins,”

where her spirit was often renewed and her faith strengthened.

She was a devoted mother, and raised five sons.

Pearl enjoyed getting her hair and nails done, sharing laughter, and spending quality time with her

family. She loved hosting family dinners at her home. Her life was a living testimony of faith, love, and

service—a true woman of God whose light will continue to shine through all who knew and loved her.

Pearl leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Robert (Elaine) Pernell, Timothy (Kandace)

Pernell, Reginal Howard of Atlanta, Georgia, Dwayne (Danielle) Howard, and Daryl Howard; and two

special sons, Joe (Bonita) Stevenson of Columbus, MS, and Kevin (Marilyn) Washington of Omaha,

Nebraska.

She is also survived by three sisters: Christeen Akins, Rosetta Elliott, and Queen (Bobby) Teague; thirty

grandchildren — Terry, Teanna, Melvin, Monique, Latrice, Latonya, Timothy, Tiara, Nija, Kaden, Reggial,

Carmen, Dwayne, La’Crystal, Amarri, Daryl, Ciara, Darius, Javonta, Lauryn, Eliza, Talena, Gabrielle,

Pashia, Cory, Jamill, Latorie, Ronda, Miya, and Joe (of Germany) — along with a host of

great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind extended family, church family, and many friends who were blessed by her

presence. Her legacy of faith and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Evangelist Pearl Howard departed this earthly life on Friday, October 24, 2025. She was preceded in

death by her parents, Clifton and Ophelia Russell; seven sisters: Jerline and Dorothy Russell, Martha

Neal, Laurine Smith, Thelma McCoy, Estella Hollis, and Deborah Johnson; and two brothers, Clifton

Russell Jr. and James Lee Russell.

She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Having fought a good fight and kept the faith,

she peacefully entered eternal rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

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