Pearlie Mae Kelley was born March 26, 1927 in Jefferson, Texas to the late A.D. and Lula Sadler Cooper. She was the oldest of three siblings. Her parents as well as her brothers: LeRoy Cooper and Tommie Lee Cooper preceded her in death.
Pearlie attended Macedonia High School in Jefferson, Texas and received her Bachelors in Science from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. At an early age Pearlie was a member of Macedonia M.E. Church and baptized. (Jefferson, Texas) She worked as a schoolteacher at both Victory High School in Avinger, Texas and McNeil High School in McNeil, Arkansas.
In 1952 Pearlie moved to San Francisco, California, where she met and married Earnest Kelley (who preceded her in death). To this union two children were born; Derryl and Myron Craig. She united with Bethel A.M.E. Church in the early 80's. She actively attended Bether A.M.E. Church and taught Sunday school. She was a member of Sarah Tanner Missionary Society, Class Leader and Lay Organization. She enjoyed being a member of the San Francisco Organization Project and the Golden Gate Community Association. She spent many hours volunteering in the Food Pantry at Bethel.
Gardening was a great hobby for her. Sewing and baking was high on her list of enjoyment during her free time. When not engaging her first enjoyments you could find her at the local casinos. She believed in living your best life.
She worked for SFUSD for 35 years and retired in 1998.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Derry Kelley Fowler (Gerald) and Myron Craig Kelley Sr. (Michelle); Grandchildren; Inez, Gerald Jr., Myron Jr. (Rose Marie), Bryan and Lakeesha: One Great grandson Myron III (Buddy); and a host of other relatives and friends.
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