On June 29, 2018 Pearl Wilson Bates Eatmon transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by her family. Pearl was born on March 27, 1927 in Windsor, CT to George and Alta Wilson and raised with her forever family of Henry and Prince (McAllister) Bates in New Britain, CT where she attended New Britain schools. She was a member of Union A.M.E. Zion Church. Pearl began her career working at Fafnir Bearing Company retiring after thirty-five years to begin a new chapter in her life with the Visiting Nurses Association in office administration and serving as a Hospice volunteer. She was rooted in the community and as civil rights activist she could be found on the front lines of city marches as well as equal rights protests. Pearl served as powerful force behind ensuring that Black History Educational programs were available for youth to learn about their strong heritage. She was instrumental in the erection of The City of New Britain’s Martin Luther King Monument, a committed member of the U.A.W. 133 and life time member of the N.A.A.C.P. A true artist her ability to be creative in many forms was a gift she shared freely. Pearl would capture moments through her drawing, murals or portals, as a seamstress she could create designs of elegance as a baker there was never a time that there wasn’t something sweet on the counter or she was baking for a bake sale at church, her signature punch bowl cake was the highlight of every family gathering. A loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother.
Pearl is survived by her two daughters Sheryl Eatmon and Valerie Eatmon Ingram and son in law Fitzritson Ingram, Sr. all of New Britain, CT, her brother David Giradin of Kansas City, MO, her eleven grandchildren Dayna W. & Marybeth Eatmon, Kim B. & Marlyne Burton, Jr. Kyle & Erin M. Eatmon, Monique R. Bacote, Ronissa P. Cobbs, Fitzritson Ingram, Jr., Raheam Ingram and Imani Ingram, sister-in-law Edith Everett, along with a host of nieces and nephews. Pearl was predeceased by husband Rev William S Eatmon Jr.
Homegoing Celebration for Pearl will be held Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 12 p.m. at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood La., New Britain, CT with the Rev. Jacqueline King, Pastor, presiding. Committal service and final resting place will be in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain, CT. Relatives and friends may call at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, Thursday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Service of Comfort and Compassion provided by the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. To extend condolences to the Eatmon family or to share a memory of Pearl, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com.
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