Pearline (Ellis) Hobson

On January 29, 2025, God called his beloved daughter and mother of eight children, Pearline Ellis Hobson, at the age of 90, home to be with him. She was born on August 8, 1934, in a small town called Hope, Arkansas to the late William and Johnnie T. Ellis.  At a young age she moved to Erie, Pa to live with her sister, Margaree Shaw. Soon after, she met the love of her life, the late Rev. William B. Hobson, Sr.  And out of this union eight children were born. They were married until his death in 1982.

In addition to her parents, Pearline was preceded in death by her brothers, Neal, Robert and Pete Ellis and one sister, Martha Barnes.

“Pearl” as she was comely known as, loved to cook and was very good at her skilled. She loved to feed all who came through her doors. She would ask you consistently, “Want something to eat?”  until you said, yes. Some of her highly requested dishes included her homemade pancakes, cakes, pies, banana pudding and cornbread, etc...  

She enjoyed a clean yard that includes the beauty of her flowers.

She loved to dance; she was known for her “Belly Roll.” She was the life of the party. She met no strangers. She would talk to anyone and trust everyone.  She loved the Lord, she exemplified the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22).

She was a member of Antioch Baptist under the leadership of Pastor A. H Hunter for years where she sang in the choir and later, she became a member of Second Baptist Church where she served on the Culinary Ministry and as a Deaconess.

Pearline was employed by Bonded Cleaning Services, Erie Universal, and VanDe Kamps Frozen Foods, until she retired.

Pearline leaves her eight children, six boys and 2 girls, to carry on the love and legancy that she showed to all, Edward Earl, Jeffery, Rev. Darrold (Penny), William Jr. (Debra), Melvin (Maureen), Kimberly, Shawn, Sandra, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two sisters, Margaree Shaw, Joyce Johnson, and one brother, William Ellis and countless other family members.

Friends are invited to join them as they celebrate the life of Pearline at a viewing on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 4-7pm and Saturday, February 8th, 10-11am, Homegoing to follow at 11am. All services are at Second Baptist Church 757 East 26th Street, Erie, Pa 16504. Pastor Darrell Cook will be officiating. Pastor Floyd McClure of Antioch Baptist Church, Erie, Pa Eulogizing. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services Inc. 459 East 12th Street, 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pa. 16503. Service can be viewed online: Facebook.com/davisgarrfh.

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