Pearlie Mae Baptist was born on October 18, 1946, in Macon, Mississippi. She was the second oldest of Freddie Lee & Annie Lou Baptist children. In 1957 at the age of 11 Pearlie decided to give her life to Christ. In 1964 Pearlie graduated from Wendell Phillips High School. While growing up in Ida B Wells Pearlie met Charles Ray Powell. On February 21, 1965 they were married, Charles, who was in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota Charles & Pearl had an unexpected arrival of their daughter, Cynthia on October 21, 1965. By the Grace of God Cynthia survived. Six years later in 1971 Charles & Pearl decided to move to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Where Pearlie attended college and worked at the Minneapolis Urban League Street Academy. In 1978 Charles & Pearl divorced, but remained friends throughout the years.

Pearl decided to pursue a career in dentistry as a dental assistant for 6 years. Before deciding to move to East Orange, New Jersey to return back to her passion of learning. She got a Degree in Social Work & Education at Seton Hall University in 1997. In 2008 Pearlie decided to move back home to Chicago, IL where she substitute taught in the Chicago public school system. In 2017 Pearlie decided to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was a substitute teacher in the Albuquerque public school system. Pearlie loved teaching, sewing, knitting, and cooking.

Pearlie leaves behind a daughter Cynthia McGregor (Stephen Douglas McGregor Jr.) Grandchildren Stephen Douglas McGregor III and Charles Andrew McGregor, Her Sisters Freddie Mae Powell, Ruby Ann Roach, Viola Brack and Family, Willie Mae Fields and Family. Brothers Joseph (Mary) and Family, Edward Baptist, Victor (Gwen) Baptist, Danny Baptist, John Baptist (Karneisha) and Family. Nieces Antoinette Gill and Family, Sherri Roach and Family, Tashawna, Kimberly (Daniel), MS, Karla (Chris), Kelly (Antwan) Buchanan and Family.

Proceeded her in death her parents Annie Lou Baptist, Freddie Lee Baptist. Brothers Donald Baptist, Anothony Baptist, Freddie Lee Baptist Jr., Peter Baptist.

To commemorate a life so dearly lived, the following services will be held in Albuquerque. A Viewing is scheduled for July 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., both at Gods House Church, located at 2335 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, beginning at 1:30 p.m.