Pearl Strickland

Pearl Y’Vonne Wall Strickland, 70, peacefully departed this earthly journey on Friday, May 10, 2019.  Pearl was born in High Point, North Carolina on July 13, 1948, to the late Doris Wall Harrington, and the late Jack McCall, Sr.  Pearl was educated in the High Point Public Schools, and graduated from William Penn High School, Class of 1966.

Pearl’s first marriage to James “Jimmy” Haywood, produced one son, Bruce. Pearl later met and married, Franklin R. Strickland, in 1981.  They remained married until Franklin’s death, in 2013.

Pearl worked in the furniture manufacturing industry for many years, and later began working in High Point Regional Hospital, where she started in the Dietary Department, and was promoted several times.  Pearl’s final position was a Surgical Technician, until retirement.

Pearl was raised in the Baptist faith and spiritual beliefs in Jesus Christ, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.  Pearl grew in leadership positions as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Director of the Youth Department, and many other roles.  For the past several years, Pearl has been a faithful member of Mercy Outreach Church of Deliverance, where she was honored as Mother of the Church.  Pearl was also a diligent and committed volunteer with the Guilford County Head Start program.

Pearl loved everyone, especially the children.  She was a mother, teacher, caregiver, and advocate to her siblings, her children, her grandchildren, her nieces, her nephew, and the many children that other parents trusted to her care.  Pearl unselfishly and joyfully gave her time and attention to all who needed encouragement and love, even during her health challenges, Pearl thought of others and their well-being.  Pearl’s lively spirit and positive attitude was a true testament to her faith, as she saw the good in all people and circumstances.  Pearl never complained as she lived her life to serve others.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband; parents; maternal grandparents, Earnest Wall and C. Aline “Gran” Wall Gainey; paternal grandparents, Colon and Ruth McCall; two uncles, Earnest Wall and Willie James Gainey; and two nephews, Teddy and Darrell.

Pearl’s memory will forever be cherished by her children… one son, Bruce Dewayne Haywood; and one daughter, Tyangye Mymynyque Haywood, both of the home; four sisters, Barbara Jo Sanders, LaVerne (Gregory) Harris, Janice (Walter) Franklin, and Cornilia (Alvin) Edwards, all of High Point, NC; one brother, Jack McCall, Jr., of High Point, NC; one uncle, David L. (Linda) Gainey, of High Point, NC; one aunt, Barbara Parker, of High Point, NC; two grandchildren, DeAsia and Brenden Lytch-Haywood; one great-grandchild, Olivia; two step-daughters, Teresa and Lonnette; four step-sons, Robbie, Timmy, David, and Daniel; her best friend, Joann Jamison; fourteen nieces and nephews; many loving great-nieces and great-nephews; and host of other relatives.