Pearl Imogene Phillips was born on July 24, 1932, in Carisbrook, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica. She was the sixth of seven children (six girls and one boy). She attended Carisbrook Primary School. Pearl moved to Kingston, Jamaica at the age of nineteen with Llewellyn - who was to become her future husband - and where their first child, Leroy was born.

In the early 1960s the family emigrated to London, England and had their second child Patrick. Pearl worked various first-generation migrant jobs while simultaneously taking courses, she achieved State Enrolled Nurse status. She worked at various London hospitals, until she bravely emigrated alone to Roxbury, Massachusetts in the early 1970s, in search of better opportunities for her family. She gained employment at the New England Baptist Hospital and stayed with friends until she secured her own apartment.

Pearl, a devoted wife, and mother set the foundation for her family. In 1972 her husband Llewellyn and son Patrick joined her. Leroy, elected to remain in England. In 1975 Pearl began work at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. In 1979, Pearl and Lewellyn purchased their first home in Mattapan. It was 1979 when she also joined the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Family life was good until the unexpected passing of Llewellyn in 1983. Though grieving herself, Pearl’s motherly instinct made it her mission to ensure that Patrick (at the time a freshman in college) achieved a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Pearl nurtured and loved many young people, and they loved her. She was an attentive and caring grandmother, across both sides of the Atlantic. Pearl was blessed with the kindness and generosity of her neighbors and friends, and was affectionately known as (Auntie Girlie, Grandma/Nanny Pearl, Ms. Pearl). Her door was always open, and her heart even more so, offering refuge, comfort, and friendship. She was a beautiful soul who journeyed from Jamaica to London with dreams in her heart and courage in her spirit. Pearl carried the warmth of her island home wherever she went, creating a haven of hospitality that touched countless lives.

Pearl’s legacy lives on as a friend whose humor brightened dark days, and a neighbor whose generosity knew no bounds. Her journey from Jamaica to London speaks to her strength, while her kindness revealed the true beauty of her character.

Those who knew Pearl will remember her radiant smile, her open heart, and the way she transformed any space into a home. She enjoyed interacting with the church community by going on church sponsor trips, going to exercise classes and volunteering in the church thrift shop. In her, we saw resilience, compassion, and unconditional love.

Pearl was predeceased by her husband Llewellyn, sisters Roselyn, Ethlyn, Violet, Ivy, Myrtle and brother Vincent. She is survived by her two sons Leroy and Patrick: grandchildren Jamila, Sydney, and Ian. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

May her spirit continue to inspire us all to live with the same generosity, courage, and joy she shared. Rest in peace, dear Pearl.

If you desire, contributions can be made in Pearl’s memory sent to:
The Church of the Holy Sprit, 525 River Street, Mattapan, MA. 02126.

Funeral Service to be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 525 River Street, MATTAPAN on Friday, August 29th at 10AM. Interment at Forest Hills Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited.