PEARL CAROLINE JONES-BURNS was born on October 24, 1935, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Duncanville), to the late Evelyn Hill and Cleophus Duncan Sr. She was lovingly raised on Broadway Street in Marvel, Alabama, by her grandparents, Robert and Odella Hill, alongside her aunt and uncle, Beulah and Glen Studimire, who also played a formative role in her upbringing.

She accepted Christ early in life. She was a member of True Love Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert W. Bell. She attended Bibb County Training School and Brown Business School.

At the age of 19, Pearl made a bold and courageous move to New York City in 1954, where she would build a beautiful life filled with family, service, and community. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star in New York. She worked diligently throughout her life and held positions at Goodwin’s Department Store, the United States Postal Service (where she served faithfully for over 20 years), and as an Auxiliary Policewoman with the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, Queens, for over five years.

Pearl was crowned Miss Cherry Blossom Ball by the legendary actress and singer Diahann Carroll a moment that beautifully symbolized the poise, beauty, and presence she carried throughout her life.

In 1957, she married her first husband, Rudolph Jones, and from this union her beloved daughter, Valerie Vanessa Jones, was born. Later in life, Pearl would find love again when she married Alja Burns. During this marriage, she relocated from New York to Cleveland, Ohio. Pearl was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Her strength, wisdom, and vibrant personality left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know her. In her spare time, she enjoyed her word searches and scratch-off’s; but, most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Valerie Rabb; her parents, Evelyn Hill (Davis) and Cleophus Duncan Sr.; her stepfather, Samuel Lee Davis; her siblings, Mildred Warren, Delois Bolling, and Dr. Cleophus Duncan Jr.; both of her husbands, Rudolph Jones and Alja Burns; her grandparents; and a host of aunts and uncles.

Pearl leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Miesha Rabb and Michael “Rudy Toot” Rabb (Meghan Rabb); great-grandson, Ronin Rabb; and son-in-law, Michael Rabb. She is also survived by her loving siblings: Samuel Davis Jr., Betty Moore, Rosa Davis, Wonda Anderson, and Curtis Duncan; along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Pearl’s legacy of love, strength, and generosity will live on in all who knew and loved her.