Willie McKissick

W Pearl McKissick was born in Columbia, SC. After completing her early education, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Allen University in 1946 and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She married the late Dr. John H. McKissick November 23, 1938 and began a 60 year relationship of mutual love and respect. They worked together as a team to do the lord’s work. She came to Toledo with her husband in 1969, so that he might accept the position as pastor of St Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She served the church as First Lady for seventeen years. She also served as First Lady at Church of the New Covenant Baptist for four years while Rev. McKissick was pastor. She had a long career (in her own right) of service to Toledo and its religious community. She was a member of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries, Toledo Association of American Baptist Ministries, was chairmen of the St Paul Missionary Baptist Church Mission and Personal Development Ministries. In addition, she spent many years working for the development and enhancement of all facets of Christian Life at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Church of the New Covenant Baptist Church, The American Baptist Association of Toledo and Ohio. She assisted Rev. McKissick in his vast ministry which included world wide travel representing the American Baptist Church. She was also a member of Top Ladies of Distinction, a Life Member of the NAACP and the Rev. John H. McKissick Senior Housing Board. Pearl McKissick was known, loved and respected by many. Her kind personality and gentle spirit made her perfect for her life’s work of Christian service. Also, she was often requested to speak at functions around the nation. She was the perfect partner to Dr. McKissick in his many civic and religious endeavors, assisting him whenever and wherever needed. She passed quietly June 2, 2008 at Manor of Perrysburg Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and partner Dr. John H. McKissick of 60 years in May of 1999 and her brother and sister. She leaves to cherish her memory brother Frederick Henry of Sumter, SC, special niece Gloria Dover, sister in law Mabel McKissick, cousins Rev. Rudolph (Estelle) McKissick Sr and Rev. Rudolph (Kimberly) both of Jacksonville, FL, godsons Mayor Jack Ford, Rev. Ivan George of Cherry Hill, NJ, Louis Scott of Compton, CA, special friend Congresswomen Marcy Kaptur, her church family at Church of the New Covenant Baptist Church, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She is also survived by her special circle of devoted friends who have cared for her before and especially after the death of her husband. They have seen to her every need and loved her dearly; Merle Abbott, Rev. William and Mrs. Goldie Spencer, Dorothy Tarver, Roland and Juanita Jones and Elizabeth Flournoy. Memorial donation can be made to the Willie Pearl McKissick Scholarship Fund c/o Fifth Third Bank 4533 Monroe Special thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Manor of Perrysburg Nursing Home and those who lovingly cared for her in her home.