Pearl E. Pickerill Crook

Pearl E. Crook, 77, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Solarbron. She was born January 27, 1940, in Evansville, to the late Richard and Isabelle (Page) Pickerill. She attended Central High School and retired from TJ Maxx. She loved her dogs, sewing, reading, making candy, and gardening. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Robert Crook, Sr.; son-in-law, Ray Orth; granddaughter, Kloe Marie; and sisters, Violet Fallowfield, Barbara Burgess, and Carolyn Hanson. She is survived by her daughter, Roberta Orth; sons, Paul (Ginger), Michael (Mary), Brian, Rodney, and Robert (Coral) Crook, Jr.; grandchildren, Robin Nelson, Jerimiah and Kody Crook, Kayce Thompson, Zachary, Kailey, Chelsea, Kristina, Abigail, Jacob, and Elizabeth Crook; ten great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard Pickerill. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Alexander East Chapel, conducted by Celebrant Carrie Hatchett, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com. This was Her Service notes Memorial Service honoring, Pearl E. (Pickerill) Crook Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 10:00am Alexander East Chapel Burial at Sunset Cemetery Celebrant Carrie Hatchett Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love; for her willing hand and happy heart translate duty into privilege, and her labor becomes a service to God and all mankind. Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and well-loved friend, for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love. Blessed is she who mends stockings and toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to humanity. Blessed is she who children love, for the love of a child is more to be valued than that of fortune or fame. Blessed is she who sings at her work; for music lightens the heaviest load and brightens the dullest chore. Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal; for her buoyancy of spirit is an aid to mental and physical digestion. Blessed is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home; for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity. Welcome, my name is Carrie Hatchett and I’m honored to be the Funeral Celebrant for our time together as we remember Pearl. I just shared a poem titled, Beatitudes For Homemakers…In the Bible the Beatitudes in Matthew are “Attitudes that should be in your life.” These are characteristics that one should aspire to attain…and Pearl embodied all these and much more. Along with being hardworking, gracious, nurturing… Pearl led by example and helped instill strong work ethics for her children. She was the ultimate homemaker and could tackle just any project that needed to be done. Pearl took pride in her home and valued a hard days work. From sewing, cleaning, cooking, gardening and taking care of her family… Pearl accomplished the tasks she set and made sure to enjoy spending quality time with those she loved. Our time today is to mourn the death and celebrate the life of Pearl Crook, affectionately know as ‘Pearly Poo.’ We gather to bring comfort and support for Pearl’s family: daughter, Roberta Orth; sons, Paul and wife Ginger, Michael and wife Mary, Brian, Rodney, and Robert Crook, Jr. and wife Coral; grandchildren, Robin Nelson, Jerimiah and Kody Crook, Kayce Thompson, Zachary, Kailey, Chelsea, Kristina, Abigail, Jacob, and Elizabeth Crook; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard Pickerill; and dear friends gathered here today. On behalf of the family, let me thank you for being here. It is an important day when we stop to acknowledge the importance of a life and the ways she touched her world. Your presence means that Pearl made a difference in your life and you took the time to stop and honor her journey on this earth. The descriptors that reverberate with the family are respect, love, admiration, dedication and generosity. We will reflect upon how this wonderful lady melded such strong traits into a loving, caring and special individual that touched everyone she met. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Robert “Bob”Crook, Sr in 1997 at the age of 59; son-in-law, Ray Orth; granddaughter, Kloe Marie; and sisters, Violet Fallowfield, Barbara Burgess, and Carolyn Hanson. On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, Pearl E. Crook passed away at the age of 77 years. Let us take a few minutes to clear our mind and focus our thoughts on Pearl in a moment of silence followed by a prayer. Moment of Silence Let us pray, Pearl was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and was a woman of faith. -------- Pearl was born on January 27, 1940, in Evansville, Indiana to Richard and Isabelle (Page) Pickerill. Her brother Dick shared, “She was a wonderful person. I was the only boy in the middle of 4 sisters and Pearl was my favorite. She was right under me in age. In the summer we would run off and ride our bikes over to Bayard Park, and spend the day playing silly games. She was named after Grandma Pearl on dad’s side. They owned a mom and pop restaurant that served plate lunches and Pearl and I would go over and help during our early teens. I have so many memories running together…but most of all, Pearl was magnificent! I was blessed to have her as a sister.” Pearl loved helping her family and learning new skills. She was an avid dog lover and gained notoriety in the local paper with her dog Teddy. Pearl attended Central High School. She married the love of her life, “Bob” and enjoyed being a stay at home mother raising their 6 children. Pearl later worked for TJ Maxx and enjoyed camping, gardening and watching westerns…especially the show Gunsmoke. I’d like to share with you these words written by Michael…. Mom and Dad's married life started out with him serving in the Air Force and moving from base to base. They made a good team and were supportive of one another. They became parents with the birth of Roberta while based in Ohio and Paul while they were based in Nebraska. After Dad left the Air Force they moved back to Evansville and Michael was born. Mom and Dad officially bought their home, which welcomed the addition of Brian, Rodney and Robert. Mom was a fantastic Homemaker and always seemed to be content with her Full Time Career as a Mentor to all her children. She sewed a lot making quilts for every one’s beds, curtains and clothes for us. Her sewing machine was not a catchall; no it was an industrious part of our family. This skill was economical for the family. There is a song titled, Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton, which I have always associated with my mom and her willingness to make our lives better. Her love was endless for all of us. She somehow maintained a very clean house. I say this because with 6 children this was no small task. Mom instilled a good work ethic in all of us including our regular chores we had along with extra deep cleaning days where she was a kind task master. Her words of encouragement were… “If you want to enjoy the nice day, work faster”…we understood this message.” I realize now as an adult the additional benefit for her. When we had completed the chores and were outside playing…Mom could enjoy a quiet house…at least until it was time to prepare our lunches. Mom was also an excellent cook, at times trying new recipes and creating recipes so any leftovers could be created into something new. Most of the time this was not an issue with a good cook and six growing children. She loved baking and around the holidays she made some of the best candies, cookies and other delicious treats to round out very fond family memories. Our family favorite was mom’s breaded pork chops. Mom also supported us in making sure we achieved a spiritual conscience to help guide us in our lives and encouraged us to make sure we had an appreciation for our Creator. This was also done with a hands-on approach during many family camping trips. Mom worked so hard to prepare weeks in advance on our inventory of supplies and food for these outings. When the relaxing kicked in on these trips, lessons where taught about creation and appreciation for nature, which continue, to inspire us. Many wonderful times were spent camping at Land Between the Lands in Kentucky. Mom stayed close to her siblings and showed us how to have fun times during family get-togethers by playing cards, such as euchre, poker and sharing in the laughter. The children ''cousins'' in these families formed bonds to feel more like brothers and sisters instead of distant family. Mom’s brother and sisters were very important to her. With five boy’s mom had to be a referee and a strong-willed disciplinarian. She instilled in us to come together as a family and remain supportive… even with our 6 distinct personalities, it’s not always easy, but with our Mother’s love and guidance we have held together through some tough times. Mom loved the pets in her life, I suspect her dog Teddy her(Collie or Shetland sheep dog) was one of her first loves. He would follow her to school as her guardian and best friend. Teddy walked her to school and waited for her everyday. After the teachers witnessed this devotion even Teddy received a Report card and the story reached the newspaper. Mom’s love for her pets continued throughout her life. Before Dad passed away 20 years ago, they bought their first Boxer, ‘Noopy’ and several Boxers followed for mom and she had a deep love for each one. Mom’s health started taking a turn in the way of Dementia coming on slowly at first and picked up in pace during the fall of 2015. She was still a joy to be around with her unpredictability in what she might say or do. Mom didn't always recognize who you where but she instinctively knew her family and continued to display affection at a very high level. In fact, during her last days when her brother Dick came in and started talking to her…Mom tenderly kissed his hand. Maybe the sound of his voice triggered something…regardless one thing for sure…Mom adored her family. Having the additional support system from the staff at Solarbron Memory Care was invaluable us. Mom’s unpredictability became one of her trademarks along with earning the nickname of Pearly Poo. Knowing that Mom was being cared for with compassion and the utmost respect at all times when we could not be there… was an added blessing. Mom loved her caregivers dearly. Mary shared, “Pearl was the perfect mother in law, she made it clear that once one of her children married she would not interfere or be a busy body. She would always be there to support and assist if we needed it, but was not one to tell others what to do or how to live their lives. She meant every word, and lived by her words. Anything her family needed or advice they would ask for, she was available and did everything she could to help guide her family. A wonderful example for all of us.” Let’s take this moment and listen to a special song dedication… Play Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Pardon (Optional) – At this time, If anyone would like to come forward and share a favorite memory of something from the heart…we would like to honor an open sharing time… if you would rather take this as an opportunity to have a silent prayer we will do so at this time. Pearl lived her life to the fullest, found great joys and accomplished the goals she made for herself. She has been inspirational, supportive and most of all a pillar of strength and love for her family. -We are the keepers of the memories… A scared trust given by one who has journeyed on Memories and special times of Pearl will flood and resurface for the days to come. Cherish those for they are blessings and lasting proof that love continues. I’d like to share this poignant poem on death… Henry Scott Holland Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched and unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way, which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Before we close this portion of our service with a final prayer, the family would like for me to share some selected scripture. In Ecclesiastes 7:1 states, A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth" At Pearls day of death she had that good name. We know this by the way she lived her life and the good reputation she left behind. We find comfort in Ecclesiastes 9: 5 and 10 "The dead know nothing at all" "There is no work nor planning nor Knowledge nor wisdom in the grave. It is comparable to a deep sleep. In John 5:28,29 states…"The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out. Pearl has a wonderful hope or promise from God of being resurrected. Pearl knew about that promise found in the bible and drew comfort knowing what happens after falling asleep in death. One day soon, we all will have the opportunity to see her again and reunite as a family. As we prepare to close our service, let’s listen to this closing song. Play song, Que Sera Sera by Doris Day. The quintessential essence of this song is simply…making the most of what you have now and not to stress about the unforeseen things to come…this light hearted song was one of Pearl’s favorites. The future may not be ours to see but each of us do have the ability to better our tomorrow from the hard work we accomplish today. Pearl lived her life doing just that for those she loved. As Christians, having faith and trust in Jesus our higher power is healing and we can find comfort in knowing that things are in God’s hands. Let us close in prayer, The funeral home staff will usher you forward and we will head out to Sunset Memorial Park for our committal service. -End of Service at Funeral Home At Cemetery As we rejoin together here at Sunset Cemetery honoring Pearl Crook, I’d like to share this reading titled, for a beloved wife… We are gathered together in her memory. If you seek her memorial, look about you: it’s in the hearts of her family, in the faces of her children, in her writings and in her home. Life has been given and life has been taken away. Life and death are one, as the river and the sea are one. Death is only a horizon, and a horizon is but the limit of our sight. Since we know nothing of death except that it comes to all, it is not reasonable to be sad for the person who has died. The sorrow that once I felt for myself, in my loss, now has been transformed to a rich memory of a woman I loved and the ways we traveled through the world together. -George A. Crile Jr. Our lives are enriched by all the precious memories shared with this amazing woman. We are grateful for the life of Pearl and the ways she provided, nurtured and loved her family and friends. Cherishing moments that are forever sacred; Sustained by a faith that is stronger that death; And comforted by the hope of a life that shall endless be, We commit to the grave all that is mortal of Pearl E. Crook As we have born the image of the earth, So shall we bear the image of the heaven. We give thanks for the life of Pearl. We will close as we listen to a special song titled, You Raise Me Up. Please take a moment and leave at your convenience. This concludes our service. - Play, Josh Groban, You Raise Me Up. Close of Service