Pearl Joiner Martello

Pearl Joiner Martello, a native of Ponchatoula and resident of Independence, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Landmark Nursing Center of Hammond on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on October 13, 1930, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Alonzo Marion Joiner and Millie Hoover Joiner.

Known affectionately as Moma Pearl, she was the rock of the family providing unwavering support, kindness, and wisdom to everyone around her. She enjoyed dancing, going to the casino, fishing, and playing Scrabble. For the last ten years, Pearl was a resident at Landmark Nursing Home, where she became a beloved member of their community. Pearl loved singing gospel hymns, expressing her strong faith in the Lord and lifting the spirits of those around her. Throughout her life, Pearl was surrounded by a wonderful family that cherished her deeply. She longed to reunite in heaven with her beloved husband, Ned, and her enduring love for him remained throughout her life. Pearl will be remembered for her friendly disposition and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her dearly.

Pearl is survived by her children, Hazel Lavigne, Michael Martello, Nedra Reed (Frank), Leona Vezinat (Calvin), Antoinette Desselle (Kevin), Cosimo Martello Jr., Dr. Ned Martello, and Marion Martello (Robin); grandchildren, Paula Singer, Kristi Lavigne, Ryan Lavigne, Michael Martello Jr., Micah Bazaldua, Matthew Martello, Brigitte Coslan, Bradley Fettes, step grandchildren, Jeffery Reed and Katie Reed, Shanna Bauman, Shawn Vezinat, Shane Vezinat, Christopher Dykes, Jayme Torres, Nicholas Martello, Zachary Allen, Ned Jacob Martello, and step grandchild, Lil’ Frankie Arnone; 30 great grandchildren; 17 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Cosimo "Ned" Martello Sr.; daughter, Patricia Martello; grandson, Brandon Martello; great granddaughter, Jaidyn Coslan; sons-in -law, Robert "Bobby" Lavigne and Leonard "Tank" Genco; as well as 5 sisters and 4 brothers.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Landmark Nursing Center for their compassionate care of Moma Pearl over the years.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 9:00 am until the Funeral Service begins at 11:00 am, officiated by Steve Farmer.

Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Tickfaw, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Pearl's memory to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.