Ms. Willie Pearl Smith

Willie Pearl Smith, affectionately known as “Ms. Pearl,” passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, in Austell, Georgia. She was born on August 14, 1952, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Willie Hudson Smith and Alma Jones Smith, and was reared in Statesboro, Georgia. A proud 1970 graduate of William James High School, Ms. Pearl devoted her life to service in both her community and career. She worked faithfully with the late Loretta Williams as part of SMGADAAP (State Minority Group Against Drugs and Alcohol Prevention) and served nearly five decades at Bulloch Memorial Hospital / East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where she became a beloved figure known for her professionalism, kindness, and compassion. Her colleagues described her as “the glue that held the unit together,” admired by doctors, nurses, and patients alike. A devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Ms. Pearl lived with unwavering faith and a heart for people. She found joy in shopping, traveling, and spending time with family. Ms. Pearl was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Akiah Kamile “Grace” Smith, her brother Derry Smith, her son-in-law Jermaine “Chip” Parker, her nephew Alvin (Abdul) Moore, and several beloved aunts. She leaves to cherish her memory two loving daughters, Raquel (Garfield) Joyce of Austell, Georgia, and Yoko Williams-Parker of Savannah, Georgia, one adored grandson, YoKhorian Parker, and one devoted sister, Maretta Moore. She is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Alethia (Kenny) McCormick of Augusta, Georgia, Gregory Moore of Lithia Springs, Georgia, Michelle Moore, and Guinevere (William) Lundy. Her great-nieces and nephews include Kendall (Amber) McCormick of Norcross, Georgia, LaTerrance Carter of Fairburn, Georgia, Raven (Justin) Murphy, and Johnquez Lundy of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She also leaves great-great nieces A’Zariyah Gianni Murphy and A’Ziyah Grace Murphy, and her bonus niece and nephew Zuri Johnson and Zion Johnson. Her love extended to her daughters in heart, Tamyra (Charles) Jackson of Stonecrest, Georgia, and Latoria (Shondai) Harris of McDonough, Georgia. She also shared a cherished sisterhood known as “The Fab 5”, Vera Love-Johnson, Generia Walker, Earlene Scott-Howard, and Petronia Baldwin-Dixon, along with many lifelong friends who shared an unbreakable bond with her. Ms. Pearl will be remembered for her radiant smile, generous spirit, and steadfast faith. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love, service, and grace. A public viewing for Ms. Smith will be held from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, October 17, 2025 at Hill's Mortuary, Inc. The funeral service for Ms. Willie Pearl Smith, will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Original First African Baptist Church, the Rev. Christopher Culbreath, I, pastor, the Rev. Charles Weaver, presiding and the Elder Donald Chavers, Jr., eulogist. Burial will be held in the Bulloch Memorial Gardens. The services for Ms. Smith may be viewed via-live stream at our Hill's Moruary, Inc. Facebook page or C & C Photography Media Production on Youtube. Final rites have been entrusted to Hill's Mortuary, Inc.

Ms. Willie Pearl Smith

August 14, 1952 - October 9, 2025