Pearl Hilley

Pearl Olena Hilley, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the age of 95. Her life was a shining testament to faith, grace, strength, and unconditional love. She touched countless lives with her kind heart, steadfast spirit, and deep devotion to her family, church, and community. 

Pearl was born on July 23, 1929, in Greenwood, South Carolina, to Willie and Paris Williams. Her birth was lovingly recorded by her aunt Bessie, and not long after, she welcomed her younger brother Willie Jr. (deceased). Pearl and her brother were nurtured by their grandmother, Maria “Big-Mom” Williams-Mosely, who laid the foundation for their strong faith and character.

In 1939, Pearl moved to Philadelphia with her family to reunite with their devoted mother, who raised her children with love, strength, and prayer. Pearl graduated from Kensington High School for Girls in 1947 and continued her education through evening classes, studying shorthand and business skills with aspirations of becoming a secretary.

In August 1946, she met Melvin Hilley Sr. (deceased), who would become the love of her life. They were married on November 6, 1948, and were blessed with one son, Melvin E. Hilley Jr. (Nafees). Pearl was a devoted and caring mother whose love was unconditional and unshakable.

A doting and loving grandmother to the late Omar Hilley and Farah H. Newcomb, Pearl celebrated their lives and accomplishments with pride. She was a cherished great-grandmother to Ryann and Brock Newcomb, with whom she could recap a football game, play cards, or simply enjoy precious time. She held a special place in her heart for her daughter-in-love, Phyllis Hilley, and treasured her grandson-in-law, Matthew Newcomb, for his kindness and devotion.

Pearl began her professional journey at the Philadelphia Tribune as a secretary but returned home to care for her young son. She later worked for R&J Lamp Shade Co. and New Dimensions Lamp Co. before finding her professional home at Gimbels Department Store, where she thrived for 25 years. There, she became a respected beauty advisor and makeup artist for Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Pearl was admired not only for her sense of style but for her natural elegance—a beauty inside and out—who helped others feel radiant on their most special occasions.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Pearl joined Sharon Baptist Church in 1970 and later became a dedicated member of Holy Cross Baptist Church in 1982. At Holy Cross, she served in many capacities: as a Deaconess, member of the Sanctuary Choir, Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the Missionary, Nurses, Scholarship, and Drama Ministries—founding and leading the Drama Ministry as its President.

She often traveled as a delegate for Holy Cross to the Progressive National Baptist Conventions, both locally and across the country. Pearl held the position of Recording Secretary in the PNBC Women’s Department of the Eastern Region and served as Vice-President At-Large of the Eastern Region Women’s Ministry of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention. She was also a past Recording Secretary of the West Philadelphia Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

Her commitment to service extended into civic life. She was a volunteer site co-coordinator for the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy, teaching Adult Basic Education and GED classes. She served as a committee person in the Third Ward, Eighth Division, for more than 45 years and was the 2nd Vice Chair of the Executive Ward Committee. She also proudly served as Block Captain of the 6200 block of Addison Street, where she resided for over 50 years.

Pearl was also a leader in the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women. She served on the Executive Board, co-chaired protocol, and was president of one of its local clubs, committed to supporting women candidates for public office.

She was a passionate Eagles fan, and she found joy in watching golf—especially when Tiger Woods was on the green. A skilled card player, she brought joy and a light-hearted competitive spirit to every game of pinochle with friends or rummy during family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland. Above all, she was a loyal and steadfast friend. While the list of those she touched is too far to name, some of her dearest companions include Dolores Jones-Butler, Madeline Dunn, Kathy Huggins, and Thelma Arnold Smith.

Pearl was a second mother to many with her ability to listen and care without judgment. She lovingly embraced chosen daughters, Norma Jean Williams (deceased), Karla Pierson (decease), and Sheena Johnson. She remained a guiding presence in the lives of her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews: Cynthia Potts,  Dee Williams, Myshia Williams, Monet Williams, Marissa Lawson, & Maurice Williams to name a few.

Pearl was one of thirteen siblings and was preceded in death by, Willie “Lil Boy” Williams Jr., Edward Billy Williams, Ruby Williams, Benton Williams.  She is lovingly remembered by her surviving siblings: Bessie Mae Potts, Lillie “Dolly Jean” Franklin, Marie “Rita” Thomason, Hattie Black, Lester Williams, Jerome Williams, Michelle Williams, and Frani Williams, and sister/cousin Anna Ruth. Her heart held each of them close and she shared deep and precious bonds.

Pearl firmly believed that “Only what you do for the Lord will last.” Her life reflected that belief—marked by service, beauty, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Her legacy lives on in every life she touched and in the love she so freely gave. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

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