Pearl Beasley

CHARLESTON, IL – Nellie Pearl Beasley of Charleston and formerly of Casey, Illinois, lived 103 years before going to her Heavenly Home on Monday, July 6, 2020 while at her Arbor Rose of Charleston residence.  A Graveside Service honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Washington Street Cemetery in Casey, Illinois with Pastor Ray Finney officiating.  Memorials gifts may be made to Salisbury Church and mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Pearl, as she was affectionately known, was born February 22, 1917 in Casey, Illinois, the daughter of the late Ralph and Nora (Biggs) Fain.  She was united in marriage to Wayne Emerson Beasley on December 2, 1933 and they were blessed with 74 years of marriage prior to his death on May 11, 2008.  Pearl leaves a wonderful legacy of a loving and devoted family; her four children, Ronald Beasley of rural Casey, Illinois, Harlan Beasley and wife Judith of Arvada, Colorado, Dana Shick and husband Dave of Charleston, Illinois and Kathy McDivitt and husband Richard of rural Ashmore, Illinois; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 27 great-great-grandchildren with another on the way.  Pearl is also survived by two brothers, Joe Fain and wife Sharon of Mill Creek, Indiana and Wendell Fain of La Port, Indiana.  Pearl was preceded also by a grandson, Randy Bryant; a daughter-in-law, Rhea Beasley; two sisters, Mary Briggs and Audrey Briggs; and a brother, Bud Fain.

Pearl was employed at the Brown Shoe Company and TRW Electronics before accepting a position at Eastern Illinois University, retiring in 1986.  Pearl was a lifelong member of the Union Baptist Church in Casey, Illinois and shared her faith through participation in various church ministries and the Ladies Aid, and by the way she treated others each and every day with kindness and respect.

World War II brought many changes to Pearl’s life.  Her husband Wayne left to serve his country with the Army and Pearl went to work alongside many other women as a Riveter.  Even though most would consider it work, Pearl loved tending to her vegetable and flowers gardens.  There was none more talented than Pearl with a needle and thread.  From her hands came many beautifully stitched quilts and hand sewn clothes.  Her home cooked meals were always a treat and her family looked forward to the holidays as much as she liked hosting them.  Pearl dearly loved her family and they will forever treasure their many fond memories of this devoted mother and grandmother who gave them so much.

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