She was born on July 29, 1933 in Madison County Georgia to the late Oscar and Odie Mae King. Pearl was married to the late Rev. Dale J. Ashley, founder of Southside Baptist Church of Honea Path. She was a former Sunday school teacher, WMU member, choir member, and served on numerous church committees. Pearl was a role model as a Pastor’s wife and ministered along with her husband. Her love for God and others was always apparent in her smile and actions. Throughout her life, she was faithful in reading the Bible and praying. Pearl loved the Lord with all her heart and wanted everyone to have a personal relationship with God.
Pearl was a wonderful mama, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was affectionately known as “Granny Pearl”. She is survived by her daughters: Gail Johnson (Myron) of Hodges SC and Barbara Cooley (Gene) of Greenwood SC. Grandchildren: Gina Bishop (Cody) of Greenwood, Brooke Johnson (Lee) of Cartersville GA., Amie Humphreys (Ken) of Level Land SC, Jesse Ashley of Donalds, Krista Delong (David) of Columbia SC. Great Grandchildren: Banks Bishop, Sophia Pearl Johnson, Kenadi Humphreys, Peggy Sue & Niklaus Ashley, Lucy, David, & Sam Delong. Sisters: Avalene Ashley of Honea Path and Dorothy Lewis of Anderson.
Mrs. Ashley is preceded in death by her husband, her son Roger Dale Ashley, her great-granddaughter Ashlyn Adele, and her sisters and brother: Reatha, Monnie, Becky, Irene, Vinnie, Javonia, Linda, and Junior.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM at Southside Baptist Church, Honea Path with Rev. Kyle Antone officiating. Preacher Johnny Waller will share a tribute about Ms. Pearl. Great grandson Banks Bishop will share memories of his grandmother. Preacher Travis Dyar will close with graveside prayer. The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM at Southside Baptist Church, prior to the service. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories, Belton SC.
The Ashley family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at NHC Greenwood and Caris Palliative Care for being so supportive and loving.
Family members will be at their respective homes. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com.