Pearlie Washington

Remembering Pearlie Mae Newbern-Washington

Pearlie Mae Newbern-Washington passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday,

January 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Pearlie was born on October 2, 1937, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to Mattie Bell Newbern and

Hiram Newbern Sr. She was the eldest of eleven siblings. She was preceded in death by her

parents; her son, Michael Washington; and her siblings Robert A. Newbern, John L. Newbern,

Bradley Newbern, Hiram Newbern Jr., Mae Ruby Brown, and Herlene Douglas.

At an early age, Pearlie confessed her faith and hope in Christ and became a devoted member of Oakland C.M.E. Church,

which is now Cleaves Memorial C.M.E. Church in Oakland, Tennessee. There, she served faithfully as

president of the Stewardess Board and was an active member of the Missionary Board and both

church choirs.

Pearlie dedicated more than 40 years of service to Ring Can Corporation before retiring. She

was a loving and devoted mother of three children and a woman of many talents and passions.

She found joy in sewing, knitting, fishing, and designing face masks during the COVID-19

pandemic. Her creativity and generosity extended far beyond her home—she was recognized

for creating and designing dresses from pillowcases for children in Haiti, Africa, and Jamaica.

Through her gentle spirit and giving heart, Pearlie touched countless lives. Pearlie was a dutiful member of Jubelum Chapter Order of Eastern Star # 79 where she served as treasurer.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Wilma J. Perkins and Linda Washington.

three grandchildren, Adrienne Phillips (Jeremy), Michael Andre Washington (Jeanna), and

David J. Coopwood Jr.; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Anne Austin Anton (Erroll); three

brothers, William Newbern of Calumet City, Illinois, Pharis Newbern of Indiana, and Joseph

Newbern (Joyce) of Oakland, Tennessee; her daughter-in-law, Shirley Washington of Memphis,

Tennessee; her sister-in-law, Earlene Newbern of Oakland, Tennessee; and a host of nieces,

nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

Pearlie Mae Newbern-Washington will be remembered for her faith, kindness, creativity, and

unwavering love for her family and community.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Cleaves Memorial C.M.E. Church 15000 Hwy194, Oakland, TN 38060. February 13th, from 11:00 until 12:45 pm. Funeral Services will follow at 1: 00 p.m.

Reverend Allen Mitchell, Sr. Pastor, Officiant. Interment McCulley Cemetery Hwy 64 Oakland, TN.