Pearl Lucille (Cotton) McHaffie, age 93 of Sparta, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, with her children by her bedside, while living in Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was born the seventh of eight children on April 27, 1931, to James K. “Polk” McHaffie and Lula Agnes (Dean) McHaffie.
Fondly known as Cotton and growing up on a farm on the Finley River, near Bruner, Missouri, she was no stranger to hard times and hard work from milking cows to making molasses as a family of almost all girls. Pearl attended McHaffie School until the 8th grade. She was a faithful Christian and accepted Jesus as her savior as a young lady. On June 2, 1947, she and Louie McHaffie borrowed money and eloped to Arkansas to be united in marriage. This union was blessed with six children and completed her loving family. Pearl worked at home and out of the home to help provide for her family. In December of 1969, they moved their family back to the farm where she once again milked cows, made molasses and provided vet services to her animals. Every year, Pearl enjoyed helping organize the annual McHaffie and Dean reunions and bringing her famous coleslaw to the event. Pearl was talented and passionate about sewing quilts tops and gifting them to her family. She was best known as Mom, grandma, and granny to many, she gave lots of hugs.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, James L. McHaffie and wife Pam, Gerald McHaffie, Donna Smith and husband Noel, Bobbie McHaffie, Billy McHaffie and wife Tammy; daughter-in-law Teresa Sims and husband Randy; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other caring relatives. Preceding her in death were her husband Louie of 73 years of marriage; son Wesley McHaffie, parents, seven siblings, Dave McHaffie, Emma Davidson, Bertha Todd, Daisy Prewitt, Brooksie Dalton, Ruby Cook and Julie Cornelison and her adored father and mother, in-law. Now, they all rejoice in her homecoming.
The family extends a grateful THANK YOU to the caring staff of Springfield Nursing and Rehab and Integrity Hospice where she received the best love and care.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 6, 2024, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri, with Pastor Troy Hull officiating. A burial will follow in McHaffie Cemetery. The visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. September 5, 2024, in the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com
Condolences(2)-
-
Linda & leon Newberry says
September 3, 2024 at 2:36 pmWords cannot express the depth of sorrow we feel for your loss. Her time on earth may have ended, but she will continue to live in the hearts and minds of our family. We never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Your mother was a shining light in this world, She lives on — in the hearts of everyone who’s life she touched. Goodbyes are not forever and are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again. To J.L., Gerald, Donna, Bobbie, Billy, & Teresa – During this difficult time, may faith, family and friends bring you peace. My dear sweet neighbor – Heaven’s garden bloomed when you went home to walk its paths.
Ruby and Jim Pippenger says
September 4, 2024 at 5:20 pmOur love and hugs go out to the family. Knowing Pearl she’s gotten that party going in Heaven under a big shade tree with lots of good food, many hugs, and stories that make everyone laugh. One of a kind for sure. She will not be forgotten but will be greatly missed. It’s good to know they are all together now. May your love, your faith, family, and friends bring you peace and wonderful memories as you go forward each day. You will carry them with you always.