Jessie Pearl (Gilchrist) Williams, lovingly known as Pearl, was born on July 30, 1957, in Florence, Alabama, to the late Ruby Lee (Johnson) Gilchrist and Jessie James Gilchrist. She departed her earthly life peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Pearl was known for her loving heart, her kind spirit, and her wonderful sense of humor, qualities that endeared her to family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, and joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Florence. Pearl graduated from Central High School as a member of the Class of 1976.
Pearl served her country as a proud U.S. Army Veteran, a role that reflected her courage, discipline, and commitment to something greater than herself. After her military service, she devoted many years of faithful work to Coleman Cleaners, where she was employed for 38 years.
Pearl loved music and dancing, and she found joy in the simple pleasures that brought people together. She especially cherished her grandchildren, and her love for them was deep and unwavering. She was a devoted mother and sister whose family meant everything to her. Her home and her heart were filled with love, and she gave that love freely and generously to those closest to her. She will be remembered for the laughter she shared, the kindness she extended, and the love she gave so naturally. Pearl had a way of making others feel welcome and valued, and her funny personality brought light to many moments. Her family and friends will forever treasure the memories of her loving nature and the many ways she made life brighter for those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Lee (Johnson) Gilchrist and Jessie James Gilchrist; a brother, Jessie James Gilchrist, Jr.; grandmother, Mary Lizzie Boddie; aunt, Nellie Mae Ragland; uncle, Robert Ingram, Jr., and John Easter Boddie; cousins, Robert Barnett, Bobbie Joe Yates, Tyrone Yates, Hattie Turner, Rosie Nance, and Alma Yates.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
Four daughters, Jessica Williams, Kimberly Williams, Laquita Williams, all of Florence, AL, and Monica Williams of Terre, IN; one son, Terance Williams of Florence, AL; eight siblings, Mary Ann Johnson, Brenda Lee Johnson, Linda Ruth Gilchrist, Elizabeth Ann Gilchrist, Wanda Jenetta Gilchrist Sanders, Ricky James Gilchrist, all of Florence, AL, Ronnie Joe (Christi) Gilchrist of Summerfield, FL, and Felecia Evelyn Gilchrist Barnett of Sheffield, AL; one aunt, Florence Carter of Florence, AL; thirteen grandchildren, Nigeria Williams (her devoted Care Giver), Denigel Peters, Kevan Peters, Tyleke Williams, Razyhia Wade, Rodrick Wade, Jr., Pacarree Williams, Kei’Shawn Williams, Nickayla Harris, Ny’Lirah Harris, Nakeem Harris, Na’Zarion Harris, and Ny’Zeir Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
