Obituary

Pearline Tarver Smith

January 20, 1928 - November 17, 2024

"Forever and evermore", surrounded by her only granddaughter, Rachel, and oldest great-grandson, Owen, Pearline Smith peacefully went into the arms of Jesus on Sunday morning, November 17, 2024. Pearline grew up in the town of Kentwood and spent most of her 96 years there. She spent her youth being a wife and a mother and later decided after her kids were grown to become a nurse. She completed the program and began working at Hood's Hospital at the age of 49. Her favorite shift was 2-10pm so that she would have time to help her daughter with her small children and house chores during the day. She retired at the age of 69. She was a hard worker by nature, always giving her all in whatever it would be. She always put others first. Her smile was contagious and could light up a room. She loved to laugh. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world. 

She is survived by her granddaughter, Rachel Fedele Spitale and husband, Matt Spitale; 8 great-grandchildren, Owen, Isabella, Noah, Alyssa, Lyla, Joni Claire, Bear, and Gatlin Spitale. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvie Smith; son, George Bryant; James Tarver whom she raised as a son; daughter, Bernice Fedele and husband, Dominick; grandson, Don Fedele; parents, Marcus Zeno and Minerva Cummins Tarver; 9 siblings, Louella Morgan, Christine Brooks, Ida Mae Rhodus, Glady Simmons, Leon "TJ" Tarver, Percy Tarver, Curtis Tarver, Clarence Tarver and George Tarver. 

The family would like to thank Ponchatoula Community Care and Passages Hospice for all of their care and love shown to their "Pearl" in her elder years. 

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.