Pearl Gowdy

Today we gather to honor the life of Pearl May Gowdy. She was the second of eleven children born of the late Authur and Agnes Vassell. She was predeceased by brothers: Isaac, Teddy, Sisters:Valerie, Daphne, and Vida. Pearl was born on December 18, 1928 and grew up in the beautiful village of Coleyville in Manchester, Jamaica. She worked hard as a seamstress and a popular clerk at the Azans. In the early 1950’s she met and then married the love of her life Claudy Gowdy. Pearl gave birth to five children and had one step son Colin “Shirley”. In 1965 she visited the USA to spy out the land. Believing her family could benefit, she relocated in 1967 with her daughter Pauline. In 1968 she moved the rest of her family to Newark, New Jersey. Over the next years many people both family and friend realized their dreams to come to America with Pearls assistance. She worked for the Belfords in Livingston, New Jersey who absolutely adored her. She went back to school and received her CNA. For the remainder of her working years she was a blessing and a comfort to many people with special needs. The 1990’s was one of the worst periods for Pearl. she lost her step son Colin James in 1994, two years later she lost her first born son Keith Robinson and two years later she lost her beloved husband. Pearl relocated from New Jersey to Florida in the late 1990’s where she resided in the city of Margate, was a faithful member of Jesus Compassion Ministries. Pearl, an ordained minister was known as a prayer warrior, she loved to sing, and her heart of compassion was displayed as she blessed everyone she came in contact with. Pearl was truly the virtuous women described in Proverbs 31. After a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease, she gave up the fight on January 29th 2016 at 10:03 am in the arms of her first daughter Pauline, with her last son Michael and son-in-law/ caregiver Leroy Bent by her side. She dies peacefully at home which was her desire. Truly now we understand Psalms 116:15. Pearl is survived by Daughters Pauline(Leroy), Sharon(Michael), Dawn(Kyle), and Son Michael(Nikia). Grandsons Mark, Jayson, Robert, and Sydney. Granddaughters Samantha, Tiffany, and Kaitlyn. Great Grands: Gianna, Robert Jr., Danielle, Myles, Adrianna, and Alexandria. Sisters: Gwen and Beverly. Brothers: Alvin and Percell. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, spiritual children, and a multitude of friends. We know she is with the Lord hearing “Well done good and faithful servant.” Her legacy will live on forever. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers please place a Donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in honor of Pearl May Gowdy @ 1104 SW 49th Terrace, Margate, FL 33068 by clicking on the "Place a Donation" tab. If you have any questions please email Pauline at PMGBent@aol.com. Thank you in advance for your support.