Pearl L Haley

A Time to be Born:

On July 3, 1939, the world was graced with the presence of Pearl Lucille Hall, the first of six children born to the late Rev. Johnnie and Vestella Hall. She was born in Damascus (Early County), Georgia.

A Time to Plant:  

In her formative years, after relocating to Newark, NJ, with her family, Pearl began to plant the seeds for a productive and fruitful life.  She gave her life to Christ as a member of Phillips Metropolitan CME Church, later transferring to Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church – where she became a faithful, active, and lifelong member.  Academically, she developed a passion for books and learning that would secure a formidable career.  Socially, Pearl began early to foster meaningful friendships – most of which would last a lifetime.

A Time to Learn: 

Pearl – a product of the Newark Public School System – was a graduate of Barringer High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She also studied at Newark State College – later renamed Kean University.

A Time to Labor: 

While still a student, Pearl began her professional career as a part-time worker at the Newark Public Library. Following graduation, she began her tenure with the Newark Board of Education as a teacher. Before long, her love for reading and literature prevailed and she transitioned from the classroom to the school library. For 38 years, she enjoyed introducing Newark students at West Kinney and Chancellor Avenue Elementary Schools, Vailsburg Middle School, Malcolm X Shabazz and West Side High Schools, to the limitless experiences to be found in books. She retired as a Media Specialist in the year 2000.  As committed as she was to her family and professional life, Pearl was even more committed to her labors for the Lord. For 70+ years, she Chaired various committees and served with numerous ministries – holding leadership roles in several – including Vice President and President of the Joint Usher Boards, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Communion Steward, Deaconess and Delegate to the New Jersey Annual Conference. She was past Secretary and Member of Church Women United NJ, Newark Unit. In addition, Pearl’s primary purpose was demonstrated by her very personal mission… that of visitation. For most of her adult life, without recognition or fanfare, Pearl made weekly visits to the sick, shut-in, and bereaved. She was a true “Proverbs 31 woman!”

A Time to Love:

Pearl was raised in a very close and loving household with her parents and siblings setting the standard. It was inevitable that she would follow their lead and recreate that environment in her own family. While at Fairleigh Dickinson, Pearl met the late Earl Albert Haley. They were wed in 1960, and he would be the love of her life for 56 years until his passing in 2017. Together, they produced a beautiful family with sons Earl Albert, Jr. and Derek Scott Haley. Her precious family would grow to include six grandchildren and six great grandchildren…the apples of her eye.

Pearl also loved her friends. Her numerous friend groups included a Teacher group (from each school), The Dining Divas Lunch Group, The People of Color Social Group, a Bunko Group, travel groups, neighborhood groups, church groups, and more. She was truly in her element when she was entertaining or socializing with friends. 

The real blessing is that she was just as loved in return. She never met a stranger. Her infectious smile, kindness and compassion, were felt and reciprocated by everyone she met.

A Time to Live:

When not tending to her many obligations, Pearl actually found time for self-care. A few of the things that brought her joy were reading, gardening, and traveling to destinations around the world. Perhaps her favorite destination was the Hawaiian islands – where she and her family visited often.

A Time to Rest:

In 2018, the demonic grips of Dementia began to change her life as we knew it. She left her beautiful home to live in the restful care of the Arbor Terrace Senior Living Facility, where she remained until her transition.

On April 20, 2023, God saw fit to relieve “Our Pearl” from all sickness and pain. He reunited “Pearl with her Earl” in their eternal home on high!

 Preceding her in glory are her loving husband Earl A. Haley, Sr., her parents Rev. Johnnie Mangus, Sr. and Vestella Hall, brothers Roland Cassey-Hall and Johnnie M. Hall, Jr., and sister Beverly Barnett.  Pearl's light on the Earth will be sorely missed by her three dear siblings: Charlie (Marion) Hall, Sr., Elizabeth (Calvin, Sr.) Ledford, and Debi Hall-Dean. Her beloved sons: Earl (Vee Vee) and Derek (Lisa) Haley. Her doting grandchildren: LaKisha (Al) Torsiello, Christopher, Brandon, DeAndre (Mary) Purdie, Christina (David) Banks, Brianna Purdie. And six adoring great-grandchildren: Camden, Nina, Gabrielle, David, Aubrey, and Ellis. She will also be fondly remembered by a great wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

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