Mercer County - "Let the work I've done speak for me." She lived because she had a charge to keep and a God to glorify.

Ms. Pearl Mae Hamby lived her life with a clear purpose: to fulfill the charge God placed on her and to glorify Him in all that she did.

Pearl departed this life on May 6, 2025, after 97 years of service, compassion, and unwavering faith. She was born on March 17, 1928, in Kingston, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Jack and Leona Shanklin Huff. She was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents, the late Edward and Rosie Gore Shanklin, in Lovern, West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rayfield Hamby; her sister, Leona Augusta Huff; and her brother, Jack Huff, Jr.

Ms. Pearl was a former member of Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served faithfully as a Deaconess, a member of the Pastor's Aid Committee, and as part of the Nurse's Guild under the leadership of the late Rev. C.T. Nelson. After relocating, she reunited with Saunders Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Ronald Dyer, where she sang with the Saunders Grove Choir and continued to be an active member of her faith community.

Ms. Pearl was deeply committed to service. She was a life member of the NAACP and sat on numerous community boards throughout Mercer County. She proudly served as a member of the West Virginia Silver Haired Legislature and was honored in 2011 with the Governor's Service Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service. Her dedication extended to countless organizations, including her beloved work with the WVU Extension Service.

Ms. Pearl was also a committed and highly respected civic leader who played an active role in many political campaigns — from local races to state and national efforts. Her passion for engaging her community in the democratic process was unmatched. She had a gift for energizing voters and was known for her ability to rally support for the candidates she believed in. Her influence carried real weight — if Ms. Pearl supported you, people paid attention. While her candidates didn't always win, her support was always meaningful, and it was widely sought after. She believed in leadership that served the people, and she devoted her time, energy, and voice to helping shape a better future for her community.

She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her church family, and a wide circle of friends. Ms. Pearl was lovingly adopted by many families throughout Mercer County, becoming an honorary grandmother, aunt, and guiding light to many. She was especially close to Brenda and Carl Pruett, and she never missed a family celebration with the family of Judge Omar Aboulhosn — faithfully joining them for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the past 15 years.

A special and heartfelt thanks is extended to her devoted caregivers: Mary P. Ezell, Olivia Rucker, and Myra Rucker, whose care, compassion, and dedication brought comfort and dignity to Ms. Pearl's final years.

A Celebration of Life will be held

at Lifeline Church, 250 Oakvale Road, Princeton, WV, on May 9, 2025. The viewing will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. Judge Omar Aboulhosn, who so affectionately referred to her as "Ms. Pearl," will officiate the service. Judge Aboulhosn, Bishop Charles Stores and Dr. Earl Rogers will deliver eulogies.

Following the service, a repass (dinner) will be served at the Church.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice.com.