Last Updated on November 9, 2020 by Rans Funeral Homes
Pearl Lavon James was born to Floyd and Sylvia (Budd) James on March 15, 1920 in Logansport, Indiana. She was the eldest of three children; her parents, Ralph and Lawrence (brothers) preceded her in death.
She was raised on a farm in Cass County, Indiana where she learned the skills needed to be successful in life. She attended Indiana public schools and graduated from Lucerne High School in 1938.
On September 25, 1938 she married William Joseph “Joe” McPherson from Kewanna, Indiana and to this union three sons were born: Richard, Wayne and Alan. Joe preceded her in death on December 18, 1985.
She was a member of the Kewanna Church of Christ and encouraged her sons to attend as well.
Pearl worked for RBM in Logansport, Indiana for many years and helped her husband, Joe establish the Key Theatre in Kewanna. She was a homemaker and excelled in crafts. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, hook rugs, wall hangings among other craft work. Pearl also enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables not to mention gardening too. She was an advocate of higher education, an avid reader and enjoyed writing.
After Joe retired, he and Pearl became Snow Birds. They spent time annually in N. Fort Meyers, Florida together from November through April until his death. While there they enjoyed playing horseshoes, fishing, dining out and fellowshipping with friends.
Pearl lived an active life until her health started to decline. She enjoyed eating, shopping and frequenting yard sales with her girlfriends.
She had a love for nature and all that it offered. Her yard housed habitat that supported wildlife. Pearl particularly had an admiration of Monarch butterflies and maintained plants that they could thrive on. Just as butterflies represent perseverance, transformation, confidence and enthusiasm, so does our beloved Pearl. She will be remembered in our hearts for pollinating an overflow of love toward each of us.
Recently, due to her decline in health it was apparent that she needed perpetual help and was admitted to the Pulaski Health Center in Winamac.
We had the honor of planning a 100th Birthday Party for Pearl to include family, friends, care givers and fellow residents of Pulaski Health Center; unfortunately we were unable to attend due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless Pulaski Health Center hosted the party in our absence and reported a fun time was had by all.
Pearl’s tenacity and humor will be cherished by her children: Richard Joseph (Michelle), Wayne Robert (Sandra), Alan James; her grand-children: Dawn (Stacy) Williams, Deanna McPherson, Adrian McPherson, Angela (Tom) Adams, Nathaniel (Bonita) McPherson, Daniel (Donna) McPherson, Sylvia McPherson, a host of great-grand-children, great-great grand-children, nieces, nephews and cousins.
We will miss her tremendously and are thankful for the plethora of warm memories; especially her response to how she was doing. Most days her response was “fat and sassy!
Private family services will be held with burial at Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Kewanna.
Pearl’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna.