Pearl Maddux

Lizabeth Pearl (Watson) VanCleave Maddux

"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller

God's tender, merciful hand has guided one of His children to her eternal home. Lizabeth Pearl (Watson) VanCleave Maddux, 66, of Little River passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015.

Pearl, the first of ten children, was born to Thomas and Juanita (Statham) Watson on March 29, 1948 in Long Beach, California. She was reared, for the most part, in Hubbard, Texas where she cherished time spent with her grandparents. Her grandmother, Nannie Statham, was a tremendous influence in her life. 'Mama Statham' exhibited generosity, a great work ethic, and love never-ending in ways that became engrained in Pearl. It is easy to envision Pearl beside Mama Statham in the grandest kitchen of them all baking custard pies, once again.

In addition to Mama Statham, there was a special place in Pearl's heart for her brothers and sisters. Loretta, who spent many weekends and summers at Pearl's while growing up, was instrumental in caring for Pearl's three young children while Pearl worked multiple jobs and attended college. There was an extremely special bond between them that never waned.

Pearl worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Kirby Hitt for many years at Scott & White Hospital before retiring in January 2014. Dr. Hitt and his family were very precious to her. Pearl's children are forever grateful and love the Hitt family. She said it truly was an honor to work for Dr. Hitt and the patients for whom he cared. For many of the 19 years that she worked at Scott & White, she also worked as a waitress at the Bluebonnet Café where she was blessed to work for Laverne Pitts and serve the best southern food to people from all over. Just imagine the glorious meals she's witnessing, again, with Mama Statham and Laverne Pitts! The Lord richly blessed Pearl with the best bosses and people to serve that anyone could ask for. She had gifts of compassion and understanding beyond compare.

Family meant everything to her. She went to great lengths to prepare a warm, loving place for all to enjoy together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her house was only 1,000 square feet, but that was enough to squeeze in all the family members that showed up every year. Of course, no one wanted to leave the spot they landed in to get food or drink because they would lose their seat when they got up! (Loretta would carry her chair with her when she went for food or drink.)
Pearl left a legacy that will never be forgotten by those who knew her as sister, mother, grandmother, or friend.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to:
� Dr. Sherronda Henderson (Pearl's oncologist) for outstanding care and bedside manner. Her professional wisdom, expertise, and genuine care never went unnoticed and are appreciated more than can be adequately expressed.
� Dr. Eklund for taking the time to thoughtfully explain the situation at hand and seeing that our mother's wishes were everyone's priority.
� Scott & White Hospice for teaching us and helping our mother live comfortably under her own roof. Cathy, Jasmine, Tamara, and Janie - To say you have been of great help and we appreciate the care you provided is an understatement. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Those gone on before her include her parents and four brothers (in childhood).

Pearl is survived by her daughter, Teresa Daugherty and husband, Henry of Moffat; son, Greg VanCleave and wife, Sylvia of Belton; son, Tim VanCleave and wife, Jennifer of Robinson; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her five siblings: Robert Watson of Ft. Worth; Loretta Clemon of Nolanville; Connie Hernandez of Perryville, Arkansas; James Copeland of Copperas Cove; and Ophelia Slocum of Coolidge.

Visitation will be held at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple on Tuesday, January 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home with Bro. Jon Crosby officiating. Burial will take place at Wilson Valley Cemetery in Little River following the Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
6 - 8 PM

Service

Memorial Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Wilson Valley Cemetery
Little River, TX  76554