Edith Marie Pearce

Edith Marie Burwell Pearce, the surviving child of Minnie and William Burwell, was born on June 9, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York. She peacefully departed this life, accepting the call from God, on Friday May 3, 2019. Edith accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Manhattan, New York. After the family moved to East Elmhurst, Queens in 1961 she later joined the First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst. At First Baptist she served on the Hostess Committee, the Chancel Choir, and in the church office. She relocated to Hamden, Connecticut to be closer to family in 2011. During her school age years, Edith attended New York Public Schools. In elementary school she skipped grades twice due to academic excellence. She attended Margaret Knox Junior High School (Class of 1940), and Wadleigh High School in Manhattan, (Class of 1943). Her yearbook described her as “A sophisticated girl who is really fine. She always comes to school right on time.” In 1949, she received a Diploma of the Division of Nursing (Bellevue School of Nursing), and a Bachelor of Science Degree from New York University, New York, NY. With all of her heart, she loved nursing as a career. She tirelessly served as a Registered Nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital, 37 years at St. Luke’s Hospital Center as Head Nurse in the Recovery Room, and the Coordinator of Ambulatory Care Nursing. In the final years of her career, she served as the Assistant Director Field Operations, Etna Home Attendant Services, Bronx NY, and retired as the Assistant Director Field Operations, Self-Help Community Service Home Attendant Corporation, Bronx New York. She was a former member of the American Nursing Association and currently a member of the Bellevue Alumnae Association. Her civic service included being a part of the Negro and Professional Business Society, and a member of The Knickerbocker International Business and Professional Women’s Society, Inc., serving in many capacities. Upon retirement, Edith enjoyed spending time at the Elmcor Senior Center, and the East Elmhurst Branch of the Borough of Queens Library. She loved life, laughter, and welcomed friends and family with great hospitality in her home. Fond memories of outdoor cookouts, music, and THAT pound cake are shared by many! Edith loved card games, reading books, dancing, travelling to the Caribbean, and spending time with her loved ones. Always the fashionista, she coordinated her outfits from head to toe. Edith leaves to celebrate her life her devoted son Richard, her beloved daughter-in-law Lois, three cherished granddaughters; Alysia (Sim), Ryki (fiancé Patrick), and Zuri. Eight great grandchildren; Christopher, Dante, Autumn, Khya, Richard (Tre’), Rion, Matthew, and Rhys; devoted cousin Marguerite Galloway, niece Anne Vallery, life-long friend Edna Robinson, her Godson Ian Stroud, and a host of cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church 28 North Street, Milford, CT 06460, in memory of Edith M. Pearce. A graveside service for Mrs. Edith Marie Burwell Pearce will be conducted 12:00 Noon, Monday, May 13, 2019 at Berean Baptist Church Cemetery in Chase City, VA with Rev. Marvin Harris delivering the eulogy. Public viewing will begin 10:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.