Mrs. Pearline Watson McCoy peacefully passed away at age 86, on December 17, 2020, following complications of a stroke, in Raleigh North Carolina. She was comforted by loving family at bedside during final days. She was born in Halifax County, near the town of Hobgood, on September 20, 1934.
Pearl, as she was fondly called, lived a life centered around family, service, and Christian values. As a child, she was strongly encouraged by her parents, the late Thurman and Rosetter Watson, to pursue education as a means of economic advancement and expanded opportunities in life. After graduating from Brawley High School in 1952, she became the first in her family to attend college, obtaining a B.S. degree in Business Education from North Carolina Central University in 1956. Thereafter, she received a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling Education from City College of New York in 1977.
Her professional career evolved in New York City where initially she held administrative positions in private and public establishments. Her most rewarding work occurred as an educator. From 1967 to retirement in 1996, she was employed as a Business Education teacher by the New York City Board of Education. She was presented distinguished service awards on two separate occasions.
Pearl was married to the late James A. McCoy of Brooklyn, New York. They lived a happy and fulfilling life, with significant involvement in church, family, community organizations, and friendships. They also enjoyed domestic and international travel.
She always maintained close ties with family back home. In 2005, Pearl relocated to North Carolina to assist with the care of her mother.
Besides her parents, Pearl was preceded in death by two brothers, Curtis and William Watson, and a sister Eloise Watson Spruell. She is survived by five sisters, two of whom reside in North Carolina, Dr. Vernaline Watson and Dr. Magnoria Lunsford, Rosa Wilkins, Texas, Lendora Watson, Maryland, and Barbara Braswell, Florida. She is also survived by a host of extended family members, and by a few long-term friends.
Memorial services will be privately held.
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