Pearl Fariss

Pearl Agnes Fariss (McKenney), of North, went to be with the Lord on the morning of August 31, 2016 at 86 years of age. She was born on November 10, 1929 in Westmoreland, Virginia to Lewis and Margie Evans McKenney and moved to Mathews County as a young child. It was there that she met her husband, Jesse, while working as a cook at the saw mill in Dutton. They married on November 5, 1946 and bought a small home in North where they raised two children, Brenda and Jesse Jr., and lived until her passing. Well-known for her baking skills, Pearl enjoyed making her excellent cakes, pies, and desserts for anyone who asked. Her hobbies included crochet, sewing, crossword puzzles, and collecting "treasures" that she found throughout each day, particularly on trips to the local flea market every weekend. She enjoyed caring for others and helped many people in her lifetime. Pearl served as a laundress, as a companion for elderly individuals unable to care for themselves and frequently looked after her grandchildren. She always had sweets and ice cream available, and "Nanny Pearl" and "Granddaddy" served a big dinner every Sunday for the entire family for many years. She loved her family and lived her life fully.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jesse C. Fariss, Sr., infant son, Robert, siblings Ruby, Elizabeth, Lewis and Billy.

She is survived by her children: Brenda Callis (Melvin) and Jesse Fariss, Jr. (Karen), both of Mathews, her five grandchildren, Matt Callis (Tanya), Adam Callis, Bekah Elmore (Dan), Ashley Stewart (Craig), and Hunter Fariss, as well as five great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Allie, Gracie-Pearl, Hannah, Landon, Chloe, Mark, and Henry and her siblings Rosie and Leroy McKenney.

A memorial service will be held at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home in Mathews, VA, on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at 3:00 pm. The visitation with the family will be held at 2:00 pm on the same day. Interment will take place at Windsor Gardens Cemetery in Mathews.