Biography: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hill, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Pearlene Eaddy passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, June 24, 2018. She was born to the late Deacon Josh McGraw Sr. and the late Elder Mary Lee McGraw in Luray SC on June 13, 1936. She was one of eight children and is survived by five siblings.
Pearlene attended Estill High School. She worked for almost thirty years as a Home Healthcare Aide with 1199SEIU union.
Pearlene moved to New York in the late 1950’s where she met Richard Eaddy, they were married on December 2, 1960. They were united in Marriage for 57 years, and are the parents of three daughters; Evelyn, Wanda, and Tabitha.
Pearlene was a devoted member of Mt. Zion CME Church for approximately 38 years. She devoted her life to Christ under the direction of Reverend Willie B. McLeod. She worked tirelessly for several organizations in the Church. She was Vice President of the Stewardesses Board, Vice President of the Pastor’s Aide Board and Vice President of the Rose M. Clark Gospel Choir. She was President of the Evangelist Board under the guidance of Rev. Edward Moultrie, Sr. Pearlene was a loyal, consistent and steadfast member in Sunday school, Bible Study, and Prayer Meeting. She received various awards and recognitions from Mt. Zion A.M.E Church as well as other organizations.
Pearlene was a praying woman; she prayed at 5:30am daily for over 38 years. If she knew you were sick, had some type of problem, or just needed to be encouraged, she would call your name out to God during her daily times of prayer, or whenever you needed a word of prayer. To Pearlene prayer was a privilege. “A Family That Prays Together Stays Together.”
Pearlene volunteered with the Special Olympics Organization, where she was a coach for bowling and volleyball. She filled in as coach for other sports when needed, also she volunteered to chaperone participants on various outings and overnight trips. Pearlene volunteered for the Daniel’s Music Foundation located in NY, NY. She volunteered in a fun café, appropriately name “Snackappella,” serving snacks, beverages, and good humor with military precision, to get things done. She volunteered with the 174th Street Senior Center and helped with various activities and supervised the Food Bank distribution.
Pearlene was an amazing woman, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Family was everything to her. Pearlene had a joy of life and loved to travel. She organized beach outings to Sherwood Island in Connecticut, Family cookouts at Pelham Bay Park, and participated in organizing family reunions. As a family we would pack-up and drive to various outings caravan style. Holidays were always a family affair which included friends, plenty of food and good conversation. She always shared her “Pearls of Wisdom” with us, which were quotes such as: “You Just Dropped Your Candy in The Sand”, “Every Shut Eye Ain’t Sleep”, and “What Goes in the Wash, Will Come Out In The Rinse.” As children we didn’t understand, but they were words meant for later in life, which you would eventually understand, and they would carry you through difficult times. She was always direct, honest, and loving. No matter what you told her, that information was never repeated. She was a true confidant, known to many as the “Vault”, because she would hold your secret.
Pearlene has always said: “The Life I Live Will Speak For Me.”
Pearlene leaves to cherish her life and legacy: A loving, devoted, and committed, husband and provider, Richard Eaddy, Bronx, NY, Three daughters: Evelyn (Coleman, Jr.) Bates, Pittsburgh, PA; Wanda Eaddy, Bronx, NY; Tabitha C. Trisvan, Simpsonville, SC. Two granddaughters: Janine K. Robertson, Atlanta, GA; Tyraya C. Trisvan, Simpsonville, SC. One Grandson, Alvin M. Trisvan, Jr., Simpsonville SC; One Great granddaughter, Brittany J. Robertson, Atlanta, GA. Two Great-Great Grandsons: Ayden J. Robertson, Atlanta GA; and Maddox A. Robertson, Atlanta, GA. Five siblings: Arrie Bell McGraw, Bronx, NY; Helen (Fred) Frazier, Brooklyn, NY; John McGraw, Bronx, NY; Rose (Edward) McCaster, Bronx, NY; and Josh (Mary) McGraw, Jr., Plainfield, NJ; Two Sister-in-laws: Emma Jean Rollinson, Queens, NY; Nolie (William)Davis, Florence, SC. One Brother-in-law, Willie (Helen) Eaddy; Florence, SC., and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Waiting to welcome Pearlene to her new home will be family members who proceeded her in death; her loving parents Mary Lee and Josh McGraw Sr.; brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Eva McGraw; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Lucille McGraw.
