Vertina Pearl Jones Obituary (1926 - 2018)

Vertina Pearl Jones (known to all as Pearl), 91, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2018 at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Children and grandchildren were at her side. Pearl was born on November 17, 1926 in Cornville, Maine to Harold P. and Hildreth M. (Libby) Whitney. Pearl's childhood was filled with the wonder of simpler times in rural East Madison, Maine. She lived the majority of her adult life in St. Albans, Maine. Pearl was a hard worker throughout her life. After grade school, Pearl worked in a variety of industries. During World War II, Pearl helped the war effort as a nursing assistant at The Marine Hospital (currently Martin's Point) in Portland. She told of turning the lights out at the hospital to evade detection by German U-boats. She also worked with her father as an auto mechanic at Forest City Chevrolet in Portland. Pearl worked at local woolen mills in Corinna and Pittsfield, Maine. She then spent two decades in manufacturing at the Edwards Company of Pittsfield, Maine until retirement in 1991. Whether stray animals needed a home or people needed a ride or help - Pearl ensured they were cared for. Pearl's sister, Thelma, tells of Pearl coming to her aid when her car broke down. Pearl had the car running in short order - even while wearing a three piece suit and high heels. Pearl enjoyed visits with family and friends. No one left without a home cooked meal or cup of coffee. Favorite meals included a boiled dinner or "dynamites" with home-made yeast bread and biscuits. When there was only time for coffee, a raisin cookie or a piece of baked pie was available to enjoy. No one left Pearl's home hungry. She enjoyed working outside at her home - mowing grass, tending to her flowers, raking leaves, hauling brush and shoveling snow. Pearl was naturally talented with music, playing nearly any instrument by ear . Her Christian faith was strengthened by playing gospel music and old church hymns. She also enjoyed watching her cousin, Pastor Ronnie Libby, on his Sunday television broadcast. Pearl was predeceased by parents Harold and Hildreth; husband Earl Jones; former husbands Everett Nichols, Harold Price, Emilien Drolet and Adrian (Pete) Keirstead; sister Charlotte Temple; grandson Paul Gray; and son-in-law Garath Buker. Pearl is survived by her beloved dog Bonnie; three siblings Reginald Flewelling and partner Francis Charrier of Lake Worth, Florida, Thelma Hubbard of Palmyra, Harold Whitney, Jr. of South Portland; and four children Verdonna and husband Colin McDougal of Hartland, Beverly Buker of Newport, Curtis Price of St. Albans, and Adrienne and husband Anthony Brown of Cumberland. Also surviving are eight grandchildren Mark Gray and wife Sharon of Center Valley, Pennsylvania, Stephanie Gray of Jefferson, Nicole Kelley and husband Dusty of Bradford, Cory Price and wife Shari of St. Albans, Damian Buker of Lucedale, Mississippi, Daniel Price of St. Albans, Kristie Price of St. Albans, as well as Destry Buker and wife Danielle of Newport; eleven great-grandchildren Brooke, Alexandria, Cortney, Kobey, Cory, Jr., Ian, Shealin, Nicholas, Nicholette, Dominic, and Dezzi; as well as seven step-great-grandchildren Carrie, Jennifer, Zachary (Ramsdell), Katelyn, Jacob, Zachary (Kelley), and Samantha. Graveside committal services will be held 10 A.M., September 15th, 2018 at the Maloon Cemetery, Grant Road, in St. Albans. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport.