ESSIE COLBERT

Essie "Pearl" Colbert was born in Marshall, Texas on May 19, 1936 to James and Mary Lee Carpenter.  She was the first born of seven children.  The family migrated to Houston in her early teens.

In 1953, Pearl was married to Fred Douglas Colbert and moved to Southern California. The union produced nine children: Callie Marie, Fred Douglas Jr., Connie Denise, George Kenneth, Mary Rita, Leonard Bernard, Brenda Diane, Sandra Lynette and Debra Pearl.  To this union she had four extended sons and three extended daughters.

In 1972, Pearl transitioned back to Texas to be closer to her family. Her main focus was always on her children.  In 1974 she began working for American Airlines.  As an employee for over 20 years, she maintained an impeccable work record.  She retired only to be able to dedicate more time to her family.

Pearl never met a stranger in her 85 years of life. No matter who you were she made you feel like you were her favorite. Whether it was her loving smile or a plate of soul food, you knew you were welcomed at her house. Especially, if you would sit down with her at the Domino table.

Besides family Pearl had a love for many things. Thanks to her cousin George she gained a love for travel. Whether she was heading for the beaches in St. Lucia, up north to the Casino, to the West Coast or to visit family and loved ones in Houston. Music also captured Pearl's heart early, particularly the Blues. Listening to her “Down Home Blues” as she prepared meals for the family.

Essie Pearl Colbert was preceded in death by her parents: James Earl Carpenter, Sr. and Mary Lee Carpenter; husband Fred Colbert Sr., Brother James Earl Carpenter, Jr.; sisters: Rita Ann Gilbert, Lula Mae Franklin and Mary Jane Sparks; grandchildren: Mahogany Colbert, Romeo Colbert; great great Grandchild: Kayden Colbert.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: brother: Willie Lewis Carpenter, Sister: Dorothy Fowlkes; sons: Fred Colbert, Jr., George Colbert and Leonard Colbert, Sr.; daughters: Callie Marie Colbert-Davis (Derrick), Connie Colbert, Mary Rita Colbert-Clayton (Reginald), Brenda Diane Colbert (James Buford), Sandra Lynette Colbert and Debra Pearl Colbert; 28 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family and Friends.