On September 14, 2023, at the tender age of 98 years, Pearl Gwendolyn English Fletcher died peacefully in her sleep. Pearl became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) four years after being widowed at 44 years of age and attained her registered nurse (RN) at 51 years old. She worked tirelessly for patients, doctors and co-workers at Doctors and Knollwood Hospitals until the age of 70 when she retired. She attended Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church until its closing. Her greatest legacy was her example of devotion and love for family and friends. She welcomed all with love and provided motherly words of concern, wisdom and sage advice to all those in her circle of "adopted kids" including: Rosie and Ira (Tommy, Todd, TJ), Danny, Roger, Randy, Diane, Kathy, Bunny, Debbie, Vicky Lynn, Nancy, Pam, Tammy and Noah, Ronnie, Vicky Sue and countless others. Pearl's ability to provide stability and encouragement in the most difficult of times has provided us all with shelter during life's storms. She will be forever with us as we live by her example.
She was blessed to have had four sisters-in-law (Annie Mae Davis, Amelia Gaines, Helen Gibson and Nellie Doyle) who she considered sisters as well numerous nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed sharing precious memories, Annie cake and a hot cup of coffee.
She is preceeded in death by her mother Thelma Dawson Thompson, father W.C. English, brothers W.C. (Bubba) English, Jr., William F. English, devoted husband Thomas E. Fletcher, Sr, daughter Louise Fletcher, and son Thomas E. Fletcher, Jr.
She is survived by; her son, William "Bill" E. Fletcher (Janet); her daughters, Ellen F. Foster and Gwendolyn "Gwen" F. Devery (Fred); her daughter-in-law, Laura F. Wilson; grandchildren: Ryan S. Foster (Kelly), Matthew G. Foster (Carrie), Thomas Elliott Foster (Sara), Andrew Christian Fletcher (Abby), Jillian Brunson (Andrew), Amy Messer (Jeremy), Fletcher Ross Devery, Michael Dawson Devery and Gwendolyn Michelle Devery.; She was "Grandmother" to twelve great-grandchildren: Bridget, Elliott "Boogie", Aiden, Graham, Ansley, Jamie, William, Vivian, Collin, Ben, Nora and Sadie.
August 8, 1925 — September 14, 2023
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 at 10 am at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch Road. Burial will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 to 10 am at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
What a beautiful lady and her legacy will be remembered by family, friends and anyone who was blessed to know her.
Ellen, Billie and Gwen I love you guys and ask God to grant you strength and peace.
Pearl will love and miss you always.You have always been special to me and my family.Wait for me by the gate and we'll meet again in heaven.You are so special to me, Love you Rosie