Leona Pearl Simpkins

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Leona Pearl Simpkins, 90, of Du Quoin, passed away at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2009 in the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Leona Pearl was born June 23, 1918 at Waltonville, a daughter to Richard Alexander Harrison and Mary Pricilla (Baker) Harrison. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her siblings and one son.

Pearl was a long time member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Du Quoin. She was also a volunteer auxiliary member at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin. Her great joy in life was her family, her church where she served God faithfully, a host of dear friends and her poodle, JoJo.

Pearl is survived by four children and their families; Evangeline Rodenbush of St. Charles, Mo., Arthur Simpkins of Phoenix, Ariz., Mary Tyler of Carbondale, Sherrie Taylor of Christopher, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, other extended family and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at the First United Pentecostal Church, 1311 S. Washington St. (US 51 South) in Du Quoin with Rev. C. L. McKinnies and Rev. Dan McKinnies officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Pentecostal Church.

Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the First United Pentecostal Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.