Pearl’s life on earth came to an end on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at the age of 92. She was born to the late H.C. and Bessie Cornette on July 27, 1919, in Pennington Gap, VA. She was a Clinton resident for 66 years after her marriage to Paul E. Rhea in 1945

Pearl dedicated her life to educating generations of students in Anderson County. She was honored by being awarded the Tennessee Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award in 1984 and Anderson County Education Association Teacher of the Year in 1982.  She also received the Anderson County Schools Dedicated Service Award in 1986 and was the Honorary Sergeant of Arms to the Tennessee Senate in 1972.  After graduation from Hiwassee College in 1942 she taught in one-room schools in SW Virginia before moving to Clinton where she taught in public schools for 30 years. She helped found the Anderson County Adult Literacy Program and taught the visually impaired through the Adult Education Program.

Pearl graduated from Pennington Gap High School in 1939.  She received an Associate's Degree and Teaching Certificate from Hiwassee College, Madisonville, TN, in 1942.

She later completed her BS Degree in Education at Lincoln Memorial University, Harragate, TN, in 1968.  In 1973 she completed her Post Graduate Program in Adult Education at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.  She married the late Paul E. Rhea on October 20, 1945, and they lived together in Clinton for the next 52 years.

Pearl was an Elementary and Junior High School teacher for more than 30 years until she retired in 1985, and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students. Pearl first taught in one-room schools: at Dominion School, 1942-43, and  St. Charles from 1943-45, both in Lee Co., VA. After moving to Anderson County she taught at Shinliver and Claxton Elementary Schools, and had her longest tenure of 18 years, teaching Social Studies at Clinton Junior High School, Clinton, TN.  She played a pivotal role in the lives of both her students and her colleagues.

Pearl was passionate about education in all areas, and at all levels. She worked for many years with the Adult Education Program of Anderson County, teaching The Visually Impaired. She was active in the founding of the Anderson County Adult Literacy Program in 1984. She actively participated in her Professional Education Associations throughout her career. These organizations included but were not limited to the Anderson County Education Association and Anderson County Retired Teachers. Pearl was an active member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Pi Chapter, a professional honorary society of women educators, whose mission reflects Pearl's true calling throughout her teaching: “to celebrate and advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.”

Pearl was a recipient of several Educational honors. She was selected to represent Anderson County Schools as delegate to numerous Tennessee and National Education Association Conventions. She was Anderson County Education Association Teacher of the Year in 1982, and achieved the Tennessee Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award in 1984.  She received the Anderson County Schools Dedicated Service Award in 1986.  She also had the honor to be Honorary Sergeant of Arms to the Tennessee Senate in 1972. 

Pearl was an active member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, Clinton, TN where she taught Sunday School and was Youth Director. She participated in The United Methodist Women and served on many church committees.

Pearl was an avid gardener, and spent many enjoyable hours raising both flowers and vegetables, supplying family and friends with a seemingly endless abundance for their homes and tables

Pearl is survived by her son, Jerry Dwaine Rhea and his wife Lamara Hurt Rhea of West Linn, OR, her daughter Paula Jane Rhea Jackson of Clinton, TN. Grandchildren: Kathryn Lorraine Rhea, Jerry Dwaine Rhea II and wife Ashley, all of Oregon, and Ashley Rhea Jackson of Clinton, TN. She is survived by several Nephews, Nieces, and Cousins.

She is preceded in death by parents H. C. and Bessie Cornette, husband Paul Edward Rhea, infant son Paul Edward Rhea Jr., brothers Samuel and Luke Cornette, Sisters-In-Law Ruby (Manco) Coker, and Marie (Thomas Barkstell) Brown, Nephews, Nieces, and Cousins.

During her later years, Pearl's life was made richer by the commitment and dedication of those who became her devotees as well as her caregivers. A deep debt of gratitude is owed to James Thompson of Clinton, TN, Trish Foster of Clinton, TN, Charlotte Ezell of Andersonville, TN, and the deeply caring Staff at Golden Living, Windwood of Clinton, TN.

Many thanks to all who helped Pearl in her opportunity to live, worship, raise a family, work, and participate in a community that she loved.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 5:00 pm, St. Mark United Methodist Church, 252 North Main Street, Clinton, TN, followed by a time for “Remembering Pearl” in the church fellowship hall 5:30-7:30.

Co-Officiant's will be Reverend Donald Swift and Reverend Wayne Hedrick. 

For more information and to express condolences see www.pearlrhea.com