Pearl Laurene (Sherlock) Lavender

It is with “Joyful Sorrow” that we announce the passing of PEARL LAURENE LAVENDER, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the remarkable age of 100.

Born on March 12, 1925, in Angora, Nebraska, to Frank William and Gladys Irene Sherlock, Pearl lived a life defined by service and artistry. A devoted member of Oak Forest United Methodist Church for 76 years, her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served her community as a Girl Scout leader and opened her heart and home to dozens of women over the decades for ceramic classes and quilting bees.

Pearl was a woman of many titles: wife of 55 years, homemaker, counselor, and referee. As a "Christ follower," she was a natural hostess to a multitude of weary voyagers and a compassionate caregiver to many. Her vivid imagination flourished through her scrapbooking, knitting, gardening, and painting. When she wasn't creating, she was likely solving a puzzle—she kept a crossword or jigsaw puzzle going constantly—or winning a game of Rummy Cube.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Morris C. Lavender Sr.; her daughter, Phyllis Lynn Lavender; her parents; her sisters, Janice Irene Thomas, Mary Alice Holder, and Barbara Anne Cusick; and a long lineage of beloved poodles.

Her legacy lives on through her surviving family: her daughters, Laura Laurene Lavender and Linda Lavonne Lavender; her sons, Morris C. “Mickey” Lavender, Jr. (Phillis) and Donald K. Weir (Susan); nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Opal LeFever of Ernul, NC, and Ruth Weiser of Cairo, NE.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the residents of Chenal Pines Retirement Resort for their loving friendship, and a special thank you to the staff at Hickory Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center for their professional and tender care over the last six months.

In lieu of a traditional final service, the family previously chose to "celebrate BIG" with Pearl in attendance for her 99th and 100th birthdays. We look forward to celebrating with her once again in Heaven.

Memorials: In honor of Pearl’s memory, donations may be made to: Oak Forest United Methodist Church 2423 Fair Park Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72204 or a Faith based Organization of your choosing.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com