Pearl 'Pearl Craft Dickinson' Dickinson

Pearl Craft Dickinson lived fully, loved completely, and gave willingly. On June 20, 2012, in Edmond, Oklahoma, she passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father with her family by her side. She was born on Oct. 27, 1926, in Canton, Texas to John Henry and Ruby Faye Craft along with her twin brother Dearl. She was raised in Valley View, Texas. Pearl first graduated from high school in Valley View in 1944. She moved with her family to Oklahoma where she graduated again from Rexroat in 1945. Harrel Dickinson was home on leave from the U.S.S. Bullard in the South Pacific during World War II in October 1944 when he and Pearl met. She said it was "love at first sight." The couple chronicled their courtship and budding love. Pearl documented every day of 1944 in a personal journal while Harrel wrote her every day for the next 18 months of his service. They married March 2, 1946. Pearl professed her faith in Christ at the age of 19 during a revival service in Healdton, Okla. The following year, Harrel followed Christ as well, beginning their life long service in the First Missionary Baptist Church of Healdton. Pearl led the music, the Women's Missionary Auxiliary (WMA), the Girls Missionary Auxiliary (GMA), Sunbeams, and served as church camp counselor. She and Harrel hosted missionaries, evangelists and visiting preachers in their home for more than 45 years. Pearl lovingly cared for family members and friends in their times of need. The young couple prayed for a family of their own. On Dec. 20, 1955, they welcomed Michael Wayne Dickinson into the world. They opened their home to Harrel's younger brother Gary Dickinson and Tommy Hamilton from Victory Children's Home in Altus. In 1968, Pearl and Harrel adopted Sherri Lynn into their family at the age of six. Harrel and Pearl enjoyed serving the Lord, spending time with family in Oklahoma and Texas, and traveling. They traveled to Israel, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and extensively throughout the United States. They loved their church and the mission work of the Baptist Missionary Association of America. They supported mission projects both local and foreign and willingly gave of their time and resources to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2005, Pearl moved to Yukon to be closer to family. She joined Metropolitan Baptist Church and became active in the Koinonia Sunday School class, Women's Bible Study, served in AWANAS, the Stephen Ministry, Whiz Kids, and as recently as May was a volunteer with Child Evangelism Fellowship efforts at Surrey Hills Elementary School. She also led the welcome committee for her neighborhood association and regularly baked cookies to hand deliver to new residents. Pearl never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, wedding, baby shower, or to say, "thank you." She was an avid reader and writer. Family and friends cherish the many handwritten notes received commemorating events and just general "conversation." Her favorite "job" the past five years was being Granny to her youngest grandson, Samuel. She read to him, fixed homemade mashed potatoes, told Bible stories, played games, made art projects and colored Easter eggs. They spent many hours together on her front porch swing. She said it kept her young. This past week, Pearl received many cards and calls from people across the country from those touched by her kindness, hospitality and personal witness. "People want to tell me about all the great things I have done," Pearl said, "but what has been done is what God has done through me." She will be truly missed. Pearl's husband Harrel; her parents John Henry and Ruby Faye Craft; her brothers, Harold Craft and Dearl Craft; and many other family and friends preceded Pearl in death. She is survived by her son, Michael and wife Lori, of Edmond; daughter Sherri Johnson and husband Jack of Marietta; sister Sue Burnett and husband Duke of Wills Point, Texas; uncle Dean Craft of Terrell, Texas; grandsons Michael Dickinson and wife Terra of Tunkhannock, PA; Joseph Dickinson and wife Tisha of El Paso, Texas; John Dickinson and wife Miranda of Stillwater, Okla.; Nathan Johnson, Marietta; Timothy Johnson, Oklahoma City; and Grace and Samuel Dickinson, Edmond. Pearl was blessed to be the great-grandmother of Michael, Benaiah, Joyous and Elizabeth Dickinson of Tunkhannock, PA; Natalie, Reagan, David and Macy Dickinson of El Paso, Texas; and Mackala Johnson of Marietta. Pearl also leaves behind a multitude of loving nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, church family and friends. Her constant companion for the past eight years has been her "spoiled shih tzu," Misty Dawn. A celebration of Pearl's life will be at 10 a.m., June 25, 2012, at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. at Mount Olive Cemetery in Healdton. Visitation will be June 23 and 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City. Memorial contributions in Pearl's memory can be made to Metropolitan Baptist Church's Mission Fund, 7201 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73132.