Pearly Mae Shinholster was born on September 29, 1952, in Gordon, Georgia to the late Margie Fagan and Preston Moses Shinholster Sr. She was the second of eight children and even as a little girl she was loving and unforgettable.

She moved to Philadelphia as a young girl, where she built her life. She was educated in the Philadelphia school system and spent her career working in customer service for financial institutions and the health care industry.

She was the proud mother of two but nothing lit up her world more than her six grandchildren. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. She showed up for them in every way never missing a moment if she could help it. That was her happiness.

She was the kind of woman who told it like it was. If you knew her, you probably heard her say "Well I'll be damned" more than once. That was her phase, her signature and it said everything without saying too much. She was also known for being sharp in every way, especially when it came to her hair,nails and high heels. That was just her always put together, even when life wasn't. As her health began to shift and things changed her love and personality still came through. Some of the sweetest memories were made during that time where she'd laugh, say something slick, or give you a side eye and reminded you exactly who she was, we could still feel her essence. Her strength never left her even as time changed the way she showed it.

She shared a beautiful love with her longtime partner, George Peebles, who passed in 1994 but he never left her heart. She is also proceeded in death by her parents, two siblings Marion and Preston Jr. and one niece Rameena but their presence was always with her. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her two children Keith and Stephanie, six grandchildren Cierra, Shàtara, Iyona, Timere, Kassem, and Samahj, five siblings: Gloria, Minnie, Keegan, Patricia, and Stacey. One daughter in law Itishia and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Who all loved her deeply and will carry her memory with them forever.

She was one of kind. Strong, loving, bold and fly. We're going to miss her laugh,slick remarks and funny stories. But most of all we'll miss her, she left us with so many beautiful memories.

We love you always and forever our Pearly Mae