Pearl Shelton

Pearl Gilliam Shelton, 71, of Hopedale, Ohio, formerly of Boston, MA, died Monday, March 31, 2003 at Shadyside Hospital, UPMC, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was born September 21, 1931 in Hopedale, Ohio, a daughter of the late John and Evelyn Francisco Gilliam. A member of St. James A.M.E. Church in Cadiz, Pearl was a retired Nurse, Public Speaker and Community Activist in the Boston area. She returned to Hopedale, where she was active in researching the Underground Railroad. She owns a home that was used for that purpose and has been published in several national publications outlining her work. She founded the Freedom Way Foundation for the preservation of Underground Railroad Artifacts and Dwellings, and was a member of the Harrison County Democratic Women's Club. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Arnold Lee Gilliam; her former husband, Ulysses Grant Shelton; 3 brothers, William, John and Henry Gilliam; and 1 sister, Alberta Lowery. Surviving are her daughter, Mona Henderson Barros; a granddaughter, Pershel Gilliam Burns; 3 great granddaughters, Tiana Pearl Barros, Ramona Barros, and Myeisha Williams, all of Boston; a sister, Lucille Shepard of Cadiz; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family members. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James A.M.E. Church, 300 East Market St., Cadiz, Ohio on Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Kary Williams officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Freedom Way Foundation, P.O. Box 44, Hopedale, Ohio 43976.

Service

Sunday, May 18, 2003 4:00 PM
Pending
, United States