Gail Marie Pearley Jackson

{Gail Marie Pearley Jackson, transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at her residence in St. James, LA surrounded by her loving family. Gail, a native of Belle Rose, LA., was 71 years old, born on March 9, 1954 to the late Oliver H. Pearley Sr. and Olivia T. Pearley.} She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Christ Baptist Church, Belle Rose, LA by the late Rev. W. T. Atley. After his passing, Gail moved her membership to the Greater Israel Baptist in Belle Rose, LA, Pastor Murray J. Alcorn.
Gail was educated in Assumption Parish and a graduate of Assumption High School. She went on to further her education at Lubbock Christian College, Lubbock, TX. Because of her love for caring for people, she became a Certified Nurses Assistant and worked devotedly for 18 years at Nexion Health and as a Personal Care Attendant for many years including taking care of her loved ones. Her caring nature was also displayed in the love and care she gave to her garden and flowers. This love extended to her household chores like washing dishes, ironing, cleaning, washing and folding clothes that she thoroughly enjoyed. She was no stranger to hard work and thrived on it. She loved reading, coloring, search-a-word, animals, and inspirational movies.
Gail was united in Holy matrimony to Rev. Welma J. Jackson Sr. on June 28, 1975. To this union three children were conceived, Welma James Jackson Jr., Leonzel I. Jackson and the baby who she affectionately referred to as Whoopi, whom she has reunited with. She stepped into the role of First Lady gracefully and committed. Gail had a strong, unwavering faith and renewed her commitment to Christ and was baptized again at Young Pilgrim Baptist Church in the Mississippi River, by her loving husband, Rev. Welma Jackson Sr. She was a devoted member to both Young Pilgrim Baptist Church, Convent, LA and Mt. Salem Baptist Church, Donaldsonville, LA where she loved singing in the choirs, teaching Sunday School, and attending Bible study. She was a member of the Eastern Stars and the Sons and Daughters of Isaac and Rebecca. She also traveled alongside her husband on several mission trips. She was very instrumental in collecting items for the mission trips and the street mission.
Gail leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 50 years, Rev. Welma Jackson, Sr., two children, Welma Jackson, Jr.(Candelaria), St. James, LA; and Leonzel Jackson, Gonzales, LA; 3 brothers, Oliver Pearley Jr. (Susan) Boise, ID; Otis Pearley, Paincourtville, LA; David Pearley (Judy), Klotzville, LA; and 2 sisters, Regina Parker, Bertrandville, LA; and Lydia Pearley, Belle Rose, LA; Uncle, Melvin Miller, Donaldsonville, LA. She was blessed to have 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Whoopi, parents, Olivia and Oliver Pearley, Sr.; in-laws, Ida Mae and Miller Jackson, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Isabella and Clarence Truxillo; paternal grandparents, Mary Smallwood and Edward Pearley, Sr.; her brothers-in-law Milton Jackson and Rev. Leroy Coleman Sr; her sisters-in-law Sheila Jackson Coleman and Gilda Pearley; and niece, Brianna Pearley.
Visiting 1:30pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Young Pilgrim Baptist Church, 6176 Rev. Thomas Scott St., Convent, LA until religious services at 2pm, conducted by Rev. Welma Jackson, Sr., Pastor. Religious services continues immediately after at Mt. Salem Baptist Church, 1104 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville, LA. Interment in Buena Vista Baptist Church, St. James