Pearlie Ruth McIntosh Chambers, 82, of Statesville, N.C., entered into eternal rest on January 24, 2025. Pearlie was born on September 1, 1942, and was the daughter of the late Edgar Allison and Martha McIntosh Gibbs.
Pearlie grew up in Statesville, graduated from Unity High School, and was a warm, kind, and loving woman. While attending Unity, she met the love of her life, James Chambers. After graduating, Pearlie moved to New Jersey to work for a few years but came back to Statesville and married her high school sweetheart on December 15, 1962. They were active members of Davidsonville Baptist Church until God called them into ministry in 1986. Pearlie was right by her husband’s side as he pastored churches in Iredell, Yadkin, and Alexander counties. She was a devoted follower of Christ, who always put God first in everything she did. She loved her husband, and together, they raised their children to trust God and to serve others.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Rev. James Chambers Sr. Pearlie was also preceded in death by her brothers, William McIntosh and Floyd Gibbs, and sisters Brenda Kay Gibbs and Barbara Jean Skinner.
She leaves to remember the blessing of her life two sons, James Chambers Jr. of Statesville and Guy Patrick (April) Chambers of Charlotte; two daughters, Valerie Hope Chambers Bondi (Joe) and Lana Chambers Smith of Statesville; six grandchildren, Whitney Rene’ Chambers, Britney Sade’ Chambers, Savannah Gayle Smith, Josiah Wesley Smith, Addisyn McKinley Chambers and Guy Jackson Chambers; one brother, Alphonzo McIntosh; two sisters, Patricia McIntosh and Linda Faye Gibbs; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family and dear friends. Special thanks to her caregivers, Barbara Eckles and Kay Presbury.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Shiloh AME Zion Church. Reverend Dr. Gainer is Pastor, Reverend Henry Steele will officiate and Pastor James Hunter will eulogize. Burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery. Members of the family will receive friends at the Church (Shiloh AME Zion Church) from 1 until 2 p.m., but will assemble at the residence of James Chambers, 154 Independence Loop in Statesville, at other times.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Chambers at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Pearlie Chambers.