Minnie Pearl Ming

Minnie Pearl Ming of Reading, Pennsylvania finished the race on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 when she was called home to be with the Lord.  “Pearl” as she was called by the family, was born in Troy Alabama to the union of Needum and Violar O’Bryant.  She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and at her passing was a member of True Faith Independent Holiness Church.  Minnie Pearl was educated in the Panama City, Florida School System.

After leaving Panama City, Florida, Pearl relocated to New York City. There she married her high school sweetheart Lafayette Ming. To that Union two children, Laurette and Lafayette Ming Jr. were born. She developed a professional Career with NCR Corporation – working both in Detroit, MI and Dayton, Ohio. Finally Pearl moved to Reading, PA; where she worked in supervisory positions at Reading Paper Factory and the 2nd street Women’s Shelter where she retired in 2011.

She was especially proud of her 3 grandchildren. Lamondre Burge who was ALWAYS her baby “Dre”, Malik Terrell her protective “Pop Pop.” Both are successful Barbers. 1 granddaughter Dejah Terrell who she called “My Dejah” an All American College Athlete.

If you had a conversation with Pearl about Life and death She told you “when I am gone, don’t be Crying..Celebrate my Life…the time to Cry is when a child is born”…

Minnie Pearl is preceded in death by her mother and father Needum and Violar O’Bryant, 4 Sisters Bernice Williams, Lillie Mae Greer, Dr. Elder Lee Voin Merritt. Lillie Kate Cospy and a Special Sister-in-Law Diana O’Bryant.

Pearl leaves behind to cherish her memory: Daughter Laurette Alston (Bryheem), Son Lafayette Ming, 3 Grandchildren...Lamondre Burge, Malik Terrell and Dejah Terrell , a Great Grandson Xi’Ayer Terrell.

6 Sisters - Etta Grace White (Detroit, MI) Dorothy (Maurice) Washington, (Accokeek, MD), Ellen (Murray) Woodruff  (Brandon, FL), Jeannie Carlisle, Margrette (Ricardo) Bailey, Viola Anthony (Taft Thompson) and 1 Brother, Needum O’Bryant, Jr. all of Reading PA, a cousins and friends. Special Brother In-Law James Merritt and a host of nieces, nephews and close family friends.

A viewing for Minnie will be Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at Church of the Brethren, 2200 State Hill Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610, followed by a Home Going Service at 10:00 AM.

Minnie will be laid to rest in Berks County Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TheoCAuman.com for the Ming family.