PEARLINE ROYAL

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18

On Sunday, April 10, 2022, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend was called home after a period of illness.

Pearline Odom Royal was born in Cordele, Georgia on May, 1, 1944 to the late Les Kendrick and Annie Mae Odom. Along with her mother, she was raised by Joe “Buster” Searcy Sr. Pearline was educated in the public school system in Crisp County, Georgia. She moved to Tampa, Florida in the early 1970s. She worked for the Department of Children, Youth & Family (formerly Health & Rehabilitative Services) for 23 years until her health failed. As long as she could, Pearline continued to use her God-given talent for cooking to bless family and friends.

Mrs. Royal was married to Bobby Lee Royal for 34 years until the Lord called him to eternal rest. Their home was a mission field of Christian love and focus on the family. During their union, they adopted DeAngelo, then his brother, DeAndre, a few years later. After her beloved husband passed, the Royal household continued to welcome relatives, as Pearline was happiest when sharing her home with others.

Mrs. Royal accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. She worshipped Him faithfully in spirit and in truth virtually from the sanctity of her home when she could no longer attend church in person.

Pearline Royal was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Bobby Royal.

Mrs. Royal, affectionately known as “Shorty” by her siblings, and “Pearlie” by extended family and friends, will be deeply missed.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, DeAngelo Harris-Royal and DeAndre Harris-Royal of Tampa, Florida; one grandson: Elijah Harris-Royal; four sisters: Inez Hill and Marianne Searcy of Tampa, Florida; Mary Taylor and Mandy Searcy of Cordele, Georgia; three brothers: Homer Odom and Anthony Searcy of Tampa, Florida; Joe Searcy of Cordele, Georgia; three sisters-in-law: Josephine Royal, Mattie Royal and Valmarie Royal, all of Tampa, Florida; one devoted niece, Lisa Mercer of Tampa, Florida; goddaughter: Robin Pendleton of Delray Beach, Florida; and a host of other relatives and friends

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