Pearletta Tyrell-Welker

Pearletta Tyrell was born on June 1st, 1954, on the island of Nevis to Agatha Tyrell. The oldest of two daughters, Pearl was raised in a warm, multigenerational home where family, culture, and island life shaped her early years. She loved to remind everyone that her birthday marked the official start of hurricane season; a fact she proudly claimed as part of her fiery, unstoppable spirit.

As a child, she went by “Callie,” but eventually embraced the name “Pearl,” a name that suited both her elegance and her strength. She moved to America as a teenager, where she finished school and began carving her own path. Restless by nature and full of energy, Pearl was never one to stay still for long. She explored many careers, working as a nanny, bookkeeper for NYC Housing, tollbooth operator for MTA Transit, UPS delivery driver, and in retail—always chasing something more.

That “more” eventually led her to the Air Force Reserves, where she found a sense of purpose, opportunity, and travel. When she learned she had just missed the age cutoff for flight school, she didn’t let that stop her! She pivoted, researched other military branches, and enlisted in the Army. She never looked back.

Despite laughing at the irony of choosing such a rugged, demanding path (especially as someone who always kept her nails and hair done to perfection) Pearl fully embraced the challenge. She was a soldier through and through, but never lost her femininity or flair. She changed her hairstyles often, once dyeing her hair three times in two months before shaving it all off once she hit the perfect shade.

At every duty station, Pearl left a lasting impression. She quickly became the "auntie," the mother figure, the voice of reason, or sometimes the tough love many soldiers needed. She had a knack for looking out for the overlooked, a soft spot for troubled souls, and an incredible ability to root for everyone’s success. Pearl was known to push people toward goals she hadn’t even achieved herself. She took my children to swim lessons but never learned to swim. She taught others to ride a bike, yet never quite mastered it herself; though she did briefly try for her motorcycle license!

Music was always playing in our home. Pearl encouraged all of us to learn an instrument. Though she had taken piano lessons as a child, she didn’t play herself. She simply believed in nurturing talent and joy wherever she saw it.

Depending on when you met her, you might’ve known her as Callie, Pearletta, Pearl, Pearlie-May, T, T-W, or even Terrible Taz. But no matter the name, she was always unmistakably herself— a straight shooter, a cheerleader, a woman of grit and grace.

Pearl lived life boldly, loved deeply, and touched many lives along the way. She leaves behind not just her family, but a chosen family of soldiers, friends, and dreamers who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

She is survived by:

Her sister, Carol Tyrell.

Her daughters, Derise Tyrell and Iva Fran Tyrell.

Her grandchildren: Stanise Sutherland, AmaJa Tyrell, Stoney Myneaux Tyrell, Sir Gunner Tyrell, and Rhani Smith.

Her great-grandchild, RaJa Osheigh Tyrell.

And a host of cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends.