Pearline Ware El

Born to defy expectations, Pearline did just that. The youngest of five, she was scrappy, creative, and bold. This can-do spirit that inspired a local preacher to reach out to Pearline to take part in Bible study. She was baptized as a teenager and inspired her father and friends to obey the gospel of Christ as well. This began a lifetime of service as a fierce ambassador for Christ—sharing the gospel and serving her community throughout her years on earth. For more than 50 years, Pearline volunteered shoulder to shoulder with Dan Jenkins, Minister for the Palm Beach Lakes Church of Christ, connecting with those in the community, and even holding Bible studies on her front porch.

Pearline also served her community as a Licensed Practical Nurse, studying hundreds of hours to pass the assessment in not one but two states. Her light burned brightest when she helped others, either with her medical expertise or as a shoulder to cry on after a long day.

But the role she relished most was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As matriarch of a family with roots and branches from coast to coast, Pearline never missed an opportunity to pour into her grands and great-grands, beaming with pride over every accomplishment, big and small. She never let them off the phone without a “pearl of wisdom” and a reminder to keep good grades and make good decisions. Those of us blessed to be in her orbit will always know the power and warmth of an enduring, unconditional love.

Pearline is survived by her children Princess (Michael) Wells, Bill (Cathy) Davis, and Susan (Wayne) Canty; grandchildren Lashonda (James), Michael, William, Michelle (Admiel), Christopher (Jennifer), Erin (Margaret), and Benjamin; and great-grandchildren Brandon, Michael, Chase, Oliver, William, Trinity, McKinley, Mekhi, Michael Wells lll, Maddox, Alexis, Ava, Lincoln, Marlowe, Campbell, and Maximus. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Blanche, siblings CW, Charles, Bessie Mae and Jessie Mae and her husband Mashuka El.

We are grateful to Susan and Wayne Canty for the exceptional care they provided Pearline in her last years, as well as Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Susan Jones, Thelma Siplin, Laplachue Tyler, Bettye King, Bessie Walker, Linda Coe, Mary Jackson and Jonetta Green for their friendship and support.

Pearl will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to continue Pearline’s legacy of service by being a force for positivity. Make friends with the cashier in the grocery store. Donate or volunteer at your local food pantry. Introduce yourself to the new family in church. Help a neighbor in need. In ways big and small, we can all “walk the talk” as Pearline did in addition to loving and obeying the God she adored. Her generosity of spirit was unlike any other, and her memory will live on in her family, friends, and communities she faithfully served.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225 on April 29, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held at Arlington Church Of Christ, 6215 Arlington Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211, US, on April 30, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Followed by a funeral service starting at 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218 on May 1, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.