PEARL BROWN - JANUARY

Pearl was born in Moscow, Arkansas, on August 26, 1932. She was a twin and the firstborn of eight children to the late Gladys Smith and the late Felix Brown Sr. She was preceded in death
by her siblings Dorothy Brown (Forrest), Versie Spriggs (Wesley), Felix Brown Jr., Louis Brown, and James Brown (Barbara).

At the age of seven, Pearl’s family relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. She often reminisced about those years, recalling how everyone had chores. Hers included sewing and styling
her siblings’ hair—tasks she much preferred over cooking, which she openly admitted she did not enjoy. Pearl excelled in school and showed an early flair for creativity and precision. She worked in her father’s cleaning business and later as a seamstress for the Oppenheimer Garment Factory. Known for her impeccable style and eye for design, Pearl was the go-to person for custom-made clothing, curtains, and drapes.

At just 4’11”, she tailored all her own clothes. Pearl accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Miles Memorial C.M.E.  Church. Throughout her life, her faith deepened, guiding her through trials and triumphs. She spread the Word of God by sharing scriptures, inspirational poems, and uplifting stories with everyone she met.

Pearl married Mr. Cleo, and to that union, they had a son who tragically passed away in infancy. She later married Paul Sims, and together they had their only child, Dwight Sims. Pearl would go on to marry Henry Daniels and, lastly, James January. Pearl cherished her siblings, especially the close bond she shared with her sisters. After their mother’s passing, she helped raise her youngest brother, Clyde, whom he lovingly referred to as his “Sister-Moma.”

Determined to further her education, Pearl attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. Balancing work and school was  no easy feat, but Pearl persevered. She began her career at St. Vincent Hospital as an LPN before completing her RN program. While there, she purchased her first new car, a 1967 Camaro, thanks to a personal recommendation from the Head Sister (Nun) to the dealership. Pearl was among the few Black nurses who integrated St. Vincent during the era of desegregation brought about by the Civil Rights Act.

She later worked at the VA Hospital in Little Rock until the age of 41, when she transferred to the VA Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she lived for about ten years. Pearl then moved to
Memphis, Tennessee, and worked at Shelby County Hospital until her retirement. Even after retiring, she continued her calling as a live-in caregiver for several years before fully stepping away from nursing.

In 2002, Pearl moved into Poston Senior Apartments, where she lived for 14 years. As President of the Senior Organization, she was instrumental in creating programs such as “Senior Crime Stoppers” and organizing community events. She also began a monthly birthday celebration for all residents, lifting morale and building a sense of community.

Pearl’s greatest joy in life was her son, Dwight, for whom she prayed daily. In 2016, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, to live with him. There, she assisted in his group homes, mentoring staff, supporting clients, and continuing to inspire those around her through her unwavering faith. She was a shining example of perseverance for her granddaughters, and she found great pride in seeing Dwight’s growth and maturity.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, Pearl made her transition. To say she will be deeply missed is an understatement. She was the matriarch of our Michigan family, a pillar of love, wisdom, and faith.

Pearl leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved son, Dwight Sims Rashad (Nancy); her granddaughters, Kelli Horton, Sameerah Rashad (Brandon), and Ameena Rashad; great-grandchildren, Darmar’yon, Datavi’yon, Dai’yona, Jerome, DeTwane Jr., and Dior; great-great-granddaughter, DemiRose; her twin brother, Earl Brown (Sandra); and her youngest brother, Clyde Brown. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

To watch the funeral live, Click the link below:

Topic: Homegoing Celebration for Pearl Brown-January
Time: Aug 23, 2025 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91578976207?pwd=xWnSMUGg28tFMXebyENl6a61IaA3HA.1

Meeting ID: 915 7897 6207
Passcode: 043536
---
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,91578976207#,,,,*043536# US
+12532050468,,91578976207#,,,,*043536# US

Join instructions
https://zoom.us/meetings/91578976207/invitations?signature=436Y5Ex2M4jDN48o75sJEHJ2pMk7RfwlKJylubQd7Mg

*** SPECIAL NOTES ***  

Scroll down for  "SERVICE DETAILS",   to get updated time and location information. (The Wake, family hour and gathering of family and friends CAN mean all the same in some circumstances, PLEASE read "SERVICE DETAILS" to be correctly informed) 

Click on the     "TRIBUTE WALL (or GUEST BOOK)" button,  to LIGHT A CANDLE,  to ADD and SEE all photos, videos, and Words of sentiment.   Click on a photo to enlarge it. Then click the L or R arrow to see all photos. 

Click on the     "FLOWERS & GIFTS" button,  SO THAT YOU CAN SEND FLOWERS/CARDS/BLANKETS/GIFTS/PLANT A MEMORIAL TREE THROUGH THE WEBSITE, WHICH MAKES MUCH EASIER TO ORDER .  (OUR FLORAL STORE OF CHOICE IS FAIRY TALE FLORIST & GIFTS OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR * 501-753-8393)

Click on the     "DONATIONS" button,  IF YOU DESIRE TO GIVE TO A FAVORITE CHARITY .  

WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CONTINUE TO LIGHT A CANDLE, UPLOAD PHOTOS AND SEND WORDS OF SENTIMENT ON THIS MEMORIAL PAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAYS, MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME. ESPECIALLY, DURING DAYS OF SPECIAL EVENTS, i.e. BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, ANNIVERSARY AND THEN ON DAYS WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO OR ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES FOR NO SPECIAL REASON.  (DESIGN AND COLORS CAN BE CHANGED)

THIS MEMORIAL PAGE WILL REMAIN ON OUR WEBSITE INDEFINITELY. DO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND PHOTOS WITH THE FAMILY, THEY WILL APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.  

(We would also appreciate it if you will RATE us, on GOOGLE, and leave a comment on "TESTIMONIAL PAGE" of this MEMORIAL PAGE of your loved one)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of PEARL BROWN - JANUARY, please visit our floral store.