Pearl Pearson Jr.

Pearl was truly one of a kind. He never allowed barriers or circumstances to define what he could accomplish. He believed in working hard, being yourself, thinking outside the box, and finding a way forward no matter what obstacles stood in your path. Those were not simply words to Pearl—they were the way he lived his life.

Pearl was especially proud of his connection to the Deaf community. His friendships and involvement with the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Deaf Club were an important part of his life. Many of the people he met along the way became much more than friends—they became family. Pearl had a gift for bringing people together and making others feel welcome.

And then there was Pearl’s sense of humor.

He loved a good joke, a good prank, and, most of all, making people laugh. He wasn’t afraid to laugh at himself, either. Whether he was pulling a prank on someone else or becoming the punchline himself, Pearl knew how to turn an ordinary moment into a lasting memory.

He loved music with plenty of bass, bright colors, animals, desserts, and spending time with the people he loved. His idea of a perfect day wasn’t complicated: Deaf friends, good food, laughter, and time together. For Pearl, it was always the people—not material things—that made life special.

Pearl’s determination, dedication, and service to others were recognized many times throughout his life. He received numerous awards and honors for his professional accomplishments, perseverance, and contributions to the Deaf community. Among the many recognitions he received, a few stand out as reflections of the impact he made.

In 2015, Pearl was recognized by the Department of Defense as an Outstanding Employee with a Disability, honoring his exceptional work ethic, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. In 2025, he received the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf Lifetime Service Award, recognizing his many years of service and dedication to the Deaf community.

Perhaps one of the most personal honors came earlier this year when Aclaim Senior Living Community created the Pearl Pearson Heart of the Community Award specifically in his honor. The award will be presented annually to a resident who embodies the same kindness, humor, generosity, and ability to make others feel seen and valued that Pearl shared so freely.

These are just a few of the many honors Pearl received throughout his life, but his greatest legacy cannot be measured by awards. It lives in the people he loved, helped, encouraged, and brought together.

Pearl is survived by his daughter, Janice Woods and her husband, Bryan, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; his son, Dack Pearson and his fiancée, Christi, of Edmond, Oklahoma; his seven grandchildren, Bryndan Woods, Pearson Woods, Dru Pearson and his wife, Abigail Pearson, Tyler Woods, Aniah Pearson, and Reyna Woods; his sisters, Bessie Tubbs of Columbus, Georgia, Elizabeth Williams of Okemah, Oklahoma, and Lavern McGuirt of Midwest City, Oklahoma; his brother, Cleotis Pearson of Phoenix, Arizona; and countless nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Pearl Pearson Sr.; his mother, Bessie Pearson; and his brothers, Randy Pearson and Joe Pearson.

Pearl leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond awards or accomplishments. It lives in the family who loved him, the friends who laughed with him, the people he helped, and the communities forever changed by his presence. He taught those around him to work hard, stay true to themselves, overcome barriers, think differently, and never lose their sense of humor. He will be remembered for his bright spirit, his determination, his love for others, and the connections he made wherever he went.

And while Pearl loved bright colors, perhaps the brightest thing about his life was the color he brought into the lives of everyone around him. Pearl left people better, happier, and more connected simply because they knew him. His laughter may be quiet now, but the joy he brought to others will continue to speak for him for generations to come.

Rest well, Pearl. You were truly the heart of the community. ❤️

Visitation will be held at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, US, on September 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Bridgeway Church, 228 W Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, US, on September 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Prague Cemetery, Prague, OK 74864, US, on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

The family kindly requests that those wishing to send flowers for the service choose bright, cheerful colors to reflect Pearl's vibrant spirit and joyful personality! In lieu of flowers, donations in Pearl's honor can be sent to the Oklahoma City Association of the Deaf, PO Box 60957 Oklahoma City, OK 73146