Pearl Reardon Johnson Hunt
October 24, 1914 – February 8, 2012

Pearl Reardon Johnson Hunt, age 97, of Smithfield died February 8, 2012.  Funeral services will be held at Marsh Swamp Original Free Will Baptist Church at Rock Ridge on Sunday at 3 p.m.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The Rev. Ray Wells, The Rev. Mike Scott, and The Rev. Joe Myrick will officiate.

The family will receive friends at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  on Saturday.

Born in Johnston County to Floyd H. and Ada Barbour Reardon, “Miss Pearl” left school as a teenager to care for her critically ill mother.  It was after her mother passed that she married Rev. Milton L. Johnson, and for 36 years they both served in many areas of the Original Free Will Baptist denomination, including numerous churches and the Middlesex Children’s Home.  Together, they were very instrumental in the development and growth of Mount Olive College.

After Rev. Johnson passed, she continued to be active while serving at Louisburg College and Saint Mary’s College.  Later, she married James B. Hunt Sr. and they resided on the Hunt family farm at Rock Ridge until his death.  She again attended Marsh Swamp Church of which she had been a member most of her adult life.  Because of her love and dedication to the auxiliary, church, and denomination, she was awarded a lifetime membership to both the church auxiliary as well as the Western District Auxiliary.

“Miss Pearl” or “Grandmommie Pearl”, was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.  She will be remembered as a Christian lady who loved and graciously served her family, community, and denomination.  Her radiant and positive attitude brightened the lives of all who had the pleasure to know her.  Indeed, she was a friend to all and her wonderful life of service will always be cherished.  One of her most appreciative moments was the pleasure of meeting the Rev. Billy Graham.

In addition to her parents, The Rev. M. L. Johnson, and James B. Hunt Sr., Mrs. Hunt was preceded in death by a loving daughter, Glenda Johnson Moody.

Pearl Reardon Johnson Hunt is survived by a helpful and caring daughter, Wanda Johnson of Garner along with two stepsons, James B. Hunt Jr. and wife, Carolyn of Rock Ridge and Robert Brame Hunt and wife, Margaret of Clayton.  Joyful memories will be cherished by her four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and several step great-great-grandchildren. 

The family appreciates the love and care of the staff and residents at Carolina House of Smithfield which was her “home” for the last 4 ½ years of her life.  The loving care of Home Health and Hospice Care, Inc. that  made her last two months a period she could enjoy while waiting (mostly) patiently for the Lord to carry her to her final resting place.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be directed to the Pearl R. and M.L. Johnson Endowment Fund at Mount Olive College, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 38365, or Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, Alumni Endowment Fund, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.