Pearlie Demeart Henderson was born February 15 th , 1938 and transitioned from this earthly life on November 9 th 2021.  Pearlie grew up in Keltys, Texas (Lufkin , Texas) to the late Rev I.D. and the late Willie Hughes Henderson . The fourth of seven children Pearlie was a community leader, a n a vid golfer , and a friend to all . As t he son of a Methodist preacher, Pearlie gave his life to Christ and was baptized at an early age . During his life Pearlie was the epitome of a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and brother-in-law .

He graduated from Dunbar High School (1957), and Texas College (1961) . After graduating from college, Pearlie taught high school in Omaha Naples , Texas, in 1961 . He was drafted by the U.S. Army (1962-1964) and later married Joyce Carolyn Williams in 1962 . This union produced a loving family with three children, Loren, William, and Angela.

Pearlie and Joyce moved to Houston in 1965 and joined Metropolitan CME Church where he thrived as a faithful steward board member. He was employed by NASA as a coordinator in 1966 and eventually moved to General Mills in 1968 and was touted as the first minority salesman in the Houston region and later recognized as one of ' America's Outstanding Young Men for 1970' .

Pearlie was also an astute businessman as well. He and Joyce established successful daycare centers in both the cities of Houston ("Little Dudes") and Tyler (" Carolyn's" ).

Later , Pearlie went on to have further success with Golden State Mutual Insurance Company and as a substitute with the Tyler Independent School Distri ct.

Pearlie serv ed the community with a passion through his involvement with a host o f organizations : President of NAACP in Tyler, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity , Inc. , Tyler Organization of Men and Chairman of the Steward Board at St. James CME .

In his retirement years Pearlie 's leadership skills contributed to the corporate ministry success of St. James where he even managed to teach Sunday School . Upon his retirement, he enjoyed gathering with friends, mentoring, golfing, and other recreational activities . Pearlie enjoyed his leisure time where he developed into a skilled golfer while winning many tournament awards for first place finishes .

Pearlie is preceded in death by his father Rev. I.D. Henderson, Sr., Mother Willie Hughes-Henderson, sister Florene Pope, Sgt. I.D. Henderson, Jr., brother Payton Henderson, brother James Henderson, brother Ralph Henderson and daughter - in - law Deirdra Jackson Henderson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce and three children : Loren (Atlanta , Georgia ), William (Grand Prairie , Texas ), daughter, Angela (Grand Prairie , Texas ), sister Barbara Henderson (Lufkin , Texas ), grandchildren : Tyler, Sydney, Kelsey, Austin, and Lauren .

Pearlie also is honored by one great grandchild along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.