Pearl Esther Thomas Sandoval

Pearl Esther Thomas Sandoval, born a coal miner's daughter on October 1, 1921, and raised in Scattertown, PA to the late John Wright and Lulu Belle Thomas. She was an inquisitive child who enjoyed growing up on the family farm of 63 acres where many relatives still reside. After high school she hitchhiked and found work 35 miles from home earning $.33 per hour painting auto emblems. After marrying at age 19, a son, Wayne Harold "Tom" Crosby was born while her husband served his country during World War II. After all hopes and dreams faded she was divorced in 1950. In 1951 Pearl relocated to Florida, married and later that year a son, Richard Lee Sandoval was born. Four years later, her daughter Linda Lou Sandoval McKinney completed the family circle. To support the family, Pearl became a successful Tupperware dealer in 1964 and quickly moved up the ranks to Manager. She was the first Manager in the State of Florida to receive a $1,000 savings bond bonus. In 1969 she was employed at Centro Asturiano Hopsital in Ybor City. Her dedication and hard work led to her promotion as Supervisor of Central Supply. Pearl was a dedicated Christian who served in various capacities. Her love for the Lord was reflected in her selfless compassion for all she came in contact with from young to old. She began a Ladies Visitation program carrying flowers to those shut in. Mission work and missionaries became a ministry which she loved. She made several mission trips to Mexico often carrying gifts and candy to present to the missionary wives. The garage of her home on 26th Street in Tampa was stocked with towels, bed linens, clothes and much more. She would allow the missionaries to shop and gave them all they wanted as a part of her personal ministry. In 2002, she relocated to Morganton, NC where she resided until her death on August 4th, 2018. Pearl was an active and well-loved member of Liberty Baptist Church, Hickory, NC. Her love of giving continued each Christmas and Valentine Day passing out boxes of Russell Stover and Whitman chocolates to her church family. Following the example set by her great grandmother, Grammy Tom, she became known as a faithful prayer warrior. Countless pastors, missionaries, friends and all of her church family were called out by name in prayer daily. August 4th, Pearl stepped from death to life everlasting. Psalms 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.' In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by John Wright Thomas, Father; Lulu Belle Thomas, Mother Grace Mando, Sister; Ruth Mervine, Sister; Bernice Washkow, Sister; and John W Thomas, Jr. A woman who claimed she never liked dogs; she mourned the loss of many who became her companions later in her life. She left behind "Dandy" who stayed close by and often was found sleeping under her reclined chair. She is survived by sister, Martha Morelli, Greenwood, DE.; sister, Connie Walker, Scattertown, PA., brother, Pete Schmoyer, (Donna) Scattertown, PA., son, W H "Tom" Crosby, (Faye) Jacksonville, Fl., son, Richard Lee Sandoval, Morganton, NC., daughter, Linda Lou McKinney, (Mike) Hickory, NC. Grandson's Scott Crosby and James Crosby, Jacksonville, Fl., granddaughter, Anna Gass, (Nick) of Lancaster, SC. Great grandson's, Austin Crosby and Heath Crosby, Jacksonville, Fl.; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 12:00 PM at Liberty Baptist Church, with Pastor Gene Gouge officiating. Fellowship immediately following with all friends and family welcomed. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Liberty Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Baptist Church c/o Building Fund at 1292 Cape Hickory Rd, Hickory, NC 28601. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory of Valdese is serving the family.