Pearline Hamilton

Sister Pearline (Cobb) Hamilton was born on March 15, 1933, to the union of Ossie and Annie Bell (Owens) Cobb in Brownsville, TN, where she attended The Dunbar-Haywood County Training School. She was the tenth child of eleven, and while she was not the youngest, she was affectionately nick-named, “Baby Sister.” On February 8, 2026, after receiving loving, skilled care in the home of her eldest daughter Dorothy, and palliative care from additional skilled professionals from Paradigm Health, "Baby Sister" peacefully gained her wings.

In 1959, Pearline relocated to South Bend, IN with her three young children, Dorothy, Patricia, and James. Soon after, she was introduced to the love of her life and entered into holy matrimony with Eddie Hamilton on May 18, 1960. Together, they created a blended family of five, which also included his children, Daun and Dennis, and a bonus stepson, Carl. Then, after eleven years of their union, they welcomed the birth of their youngest child, Angela (Nicci).

At a very early age, Pearline accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and attended services multiple times during the week at The Church of God in Christ. Once in South Bend, she joined Elizabeth Memorial Church of God in Christ. Then, in 1972, she and her sisters Dorothy and Catherine, helped to establish Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, founded by Senior Pastor (now Bishop) Donald Alford. There, she served in many capacities including usher, choir member, and even cook, when called upon.

By trade, Pearline was a licensed beautician and entrusted hairdresser for family, friends, and neighbors alike. Simultaneously, she worked as a spotter, presser and dry room attendant at Ziker Dry Cleaning in South Bend. Some of her earliest and fondest memories, however, were spent in the kitchen with her mother, where she became an exceptionally talented cook. Her specialties included baked chicken and dressing, greens, and savory desserts such as sweet potato and peach pies, often in high demand. For leisure, she enjoyed playing checkers, doing word finds, listening to music, and watching sports, soap operas, and televangelists. When it came to entertaining and overnight guests, she took special care to ensure that her home was stylishly decorated, but cozy and welcoming. When her husband retired to become a school bus driver, she joined him as an attendant. But the title she wore most proudly was mother to both her children and grandchildren, with no distinguishing line.

Mrs. Pearline Hamilton will rest in eternal peace alongside her husband of 51 years, Eddie Hamilton; reuniting with sons, James P. Webb, III and Dennis Hamilton; daughter, Daun Gable, her beloved parents, Ossie and Annie Bell Cobb; brothers, Dan, Charlie, and Oscar Cobb; sisters, Ollie Bond, Nannie Whitelaw, Maude Cobb, Iola Bryant, and Rosie Fleming.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughters, Dorothy Young, Patricia Owens, and Angela Hamilton; stepson, Carl Buchannon; grandchildren, DeMarco Johnson, DeLea Kearse (Henry); Toriano Webb (Ericka), Timothy Webb, Crystal Bickham (Dameon), Patric Owens (Yolanda), Annil Hamilton, DeCheyla McCullum, Jasmine Hamilton (DaJour), Kenya Hamilton, Tony Phillips, Bernard Phillips, Denell Phillips (Sonya), and Taj’ana Habersham; sisters, Dorothy Hill and Catherine Williams; godson, James Kirkendoll; special nieces, Vanessa Hill and Linda Hairston, and a host of great grandchildren and friends who loved her.

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