Pearle Battle

Pearle P. Battle NORFOLK - Pearle Antionette Perry Battle, 88, of the 800 block of Wedgefield Court, died Jan. 10, 2009, in a local hospital. She was born July 30, 1920, in Richmond, Va., and was educated in its public schools. She was a St. Paul's College alumnus. Mrs. Battle was a devoted member of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, for many years. After returning to Richmond, she joined Westwood Baptist Church and became a deaconess. Upon returning to the Tidewater area, Deaconess Battle was very active at the churches pastored by her sons-in-love, Little Grove Baptist in Suffolk and First Baptist in Norfolk, where she held membership. Mother Battle loved the Lord, family, missions and serving. She was predeceased by her husband, Deacon Frank Battle Sr.; two sons, Frank Battle Jr. and Cato Battle; a sister, Geraldine Jones. She is survived by four daughters, Geraldine B. Banks, Amanda B. Murray (Dr. Robert), Aretha L.B. Gayle and Lynnette E. Richardson (the Rev. Ralph); one daughter-in-love, Sheila Battle; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. A homegoing celebration will be held Friday at noon in First Baptist Church, 418 E. Bute St., Norfolk. Dr. Robert G. Murray, pastor, Dr. Joe B. Fleming, eulogist. Family and friends will depart from 862 Wedgefield Court, at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Westwood Baptist Church Cemetery in Henrico County, Virginia, Saturday at noon. Family and friends will depart from 5101 Regatta Pointe, Suffolk, at 9 a.m. Viewing will be in Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham St., Portsmouth, today from noon to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions may be made to the Christian Schools of Little Grove Baptist and/or First Baptist Church.