ALTON

Jessie Pearl, 71 departed this life Saturday, April 6, 2013 at her home with her family by her side.

Jessie Pearl Rucker Kaiser was born Jan. 17, 1942, in Lexington, Miss., to the late Samuel Rucker and Frankie Mae Burch. She attended and graduated from Alton Public Schools in 1960.

She accepted Christ in her youth and was a member of Alton Community Church of God. She worked diligently in the church with the late William B. and Frankie Mae Thomas Sr. She was a member of Lead the Way Church and currently attended Deliverance Temple Church.

On Aug. 28, 1966, she was united in holy matrimony to the late Wilbur "Sunny" Kaiser Sr.

Jessie Pearl retired from Olin Corp. after 43 years of service.

Organizations affiliations include Merry Hearts, Eastern Stars, Stars of Hope No. 31 of St. Louis, and Children of Hope of St. Louis where she served as Grand Matron. She was also known for her catering.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, William B. Jr., Charles D. Sr. and Benjamin Washpun.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories three children, Candies (Montigo Embrey) Wade and Wilbur Kaiser Jr., both of Alton, Chauncey (Lawrence) Havis of Chicago; three grandchildren, Erica, Kevin and Pearl; a great-grandson, Eyan; seven sisters, Rosanna (Dr. Calvin) Lewis of Landover, Md., Sandra and Jacqueline Rucker, Linda (Jerry) North, Robin (the Rev. Dr. Demetrius) Williams, all of Milwaukee, Wis., Renee Sandifer of Chicago, Linda Jackson of Iowa City, Iowa; a brother, Angus Wright of Milwaukee, Wis.; two sister-in-laws, Darlene Woods of Florissant, Mo., and Flossie Smith of Alton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was on Friday, April 12, at Deliverance Temple C.O.G.I.C., where services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. Dr. Gregory L. Harrison officiated and the Rev. Edwin Coleman  eulogized.

Family and friends will meet at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, April 15, at Harrison Funeral Chapel for Interment services at Upper Alton Cemetery. Services entrusted to Harrison Funeral Chapel and Cremation Center.