Pearl Ester Gordon was born to Amiel Willis, Sr. and Lovie "Pinkie" Jackson in Carlton, OK on Friday January 3, 1936. She was the 10 ^th of 14 children. Pearl received her formal education in Phoenix, Arizona after her parents relocated there in 1938.  Adventurous and never afraid of change, Pearl enjoyed traveling and spending time with loved ones. In her youth, Pearl lived in New York and Germany; ultimately returning to the states and planting roots in Pomona , CA then Denver, CO before retiring in Muskogee, OK.

A woman of many skillsets and not afraid of hard work, Pearl found stability and success working various factory jobs. For many years she worked for General Dynamics (California) soldering missile components.  After relocating to Denver in 1976, she continued her soldering work at Honeywell Industries.  Her experience in soldering was recognized when she was promoted to a Soldering Instructor.  After retiring from Redfield Rifle Scope Manufacturing, she worked as a school bus driver and later in a local elementary school cafeteria in Muskogee.

Pearl was a beloved daughter, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, niece and friend. She was loved by many and will be remembered for her many selfless acts of kindness. Whether it was being there to provide care and support to an ailing loved one, housing someone in need, or simply providing a ride to the store, she never hesitated to help others.  Pearl maintained her youthful and childlike playfulness until her last days; laughing, joking, and loving every moment spent with her family.

After long days of work, watching soap operas was her guilty pleasure and Lord be with you if you recorded over her VCR tape! More than soap operas, Pearl loved to fish. She didn't care if she caught fish or not, a hook in the water was all she needed, so she would never pass up an opportunity to go. She was also talented in crocheting, sewing, and cooking. Her signature green chile and tarragon chicken will never be the same without her. Never short on words or stories, Pearl's conversations will be greatly missed and cherished by those who shared in them.

On November 28, 2020, after a pleasant conversation about the Bible with her grandson, Derrish, and brother, Ted, Pearl experienced a heart attack that left her fighting for her life for six days. On December 4, 2020, surrounded by family, she transitioned and went home with the Lord.

Pearl is preceded in death by her parents (Amiel Sr. and Pinkie Willis), husband (Ben Gordon), son (Dana Gittens), 5 brothers (Melvin, Earnest, Odell, Clayton, and Amiel Willis, Jr.) and 4 sisters (Louisa Parks, Emma Jean Greathouse, Coella "Duggar" Lee, and Hazel Thompson Pearce). She leaves to cherish her memory: 3 siblings (Ted Willis, Elzora Carlstrom and Ora Whitmore); 3 children (Lanardo Gittens, Wendy Newsom and Bianca Hudson), 7 grandchildren (Derrish Moore, Tyrus T. Ashley, Monica Gittens, Kellen Gittens, Nicole Sommersville, Dana Gittens Jr. and Tre Garrett), 9 great-grandchildren (Ki'ajah Moore, Shaheed Gittens, DeShanae Wright, Tyrus Ashley, Elijah Moore, Tejuan Ashley, Kabriel Sommersville, Zoey Moore and Kelis Gittens), and a host of those who were blessed to be touched by her spirit & love.

A Service of Memory will be conducted, Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 3 p.m. in the Precious Memories Chapel, House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee with Rev. David Ragsdale Jr. officiating, with cremation to follow.  Visitation, Friday in the chapel, during the hours of 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.

MASKS MANDATORY AT ALL SERVICES

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee.