Ira Pearl Howard

Ira Pearl Howard born November 15, 1948 to Frank Mason Sr. and Mozell Gilchrist in Birmingham, AL.   Pearl accepted Christ at an early age.  She was educated in the Birmingham Public School system and graduated from New Castle High School in 1966. Pearl was a custodian for the School City of Hammond for 24 years.  She spent many of those years at Lew Wallace Elementary School.  Upon retirement she still remained a part of the Lew Wallace Family.  Pearl was a pillar and active member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Hammond, IN.  Pearl participated in many ministries such as the choir, Jr. Ushers, Youth Ministry or wherever she was needed. She was married to Leroy Howard Sr.  From that25-year union, they raised 5 wonderful children: Felicia Hill, Denise Campbell (Cedric Gordon), Leroy Howard Jr., Cherie Roberts and Kendell Howard. Affectionately known as Ms. Pearl, Mama Pearl or Pearlie, Pearl enjoyed bowling, family gatherings, traveling and always being on the go.  Everyone she encountered loved her infectious spirit and smile.  She welcomed anyone to her home and treated you as family.  Pearl would always provide nuggets of knowledge such as:

•           KEEP LIVING

•           Never hope bad on anyone

•           Don’t be stuck on neutral

•           When you’re tired, sometimes you may give out but don’t give up

•           Don’t say you don’t care

•           I love you but I don’t like you

Pearl lost her fight at the age of 71.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: Frank Mason Jr. and Chester Mason.  Along with her 5 children, Pearl leaves to cherish in her memory her sisters and brother: Gloria (Marvin) Jackson; Sherrill (Frederic) Jones; Angela (Harry) Prude; Randi Mason & Arthur Mason.  Six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren will cherish many memories of their GRANNY.  A host of nieces, nephews,godchildren and friends will also cherish the many memories of Pearl.

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