It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pearlene Sprabary Carter - age 88 of Denton, TX - who died peacefully on the afternoon of March 5, 2024.

Pearlene was born on July 21, 1935 in Denton, TX to Virgil Ray Sprabary and Eunice Mae Potter. She was as the third of seven children (and only girl) in this large but close-knit family that Pearlene learned to love, laugh, and nurture as well as face adversity with strength and determination. The family knew some tough times, but you would never know it from Pearlene as she was one of those people who radiated warmth and positivity and recounted life's difficulties with gracious acceptance and a sense of family pride.

In 1951, a young Pearlene met Tommie Gene Carter and was swept away by the tall, handsome gentleman who loved to make her laugh. They married in Gainesville, TX on April 5, 1952. And the couple soon welcomed their two daughters:  Linda Jean Carter (Riley) and Brenda Gayle Carter (Bland). Pearlene was a natural wife and mom and became a wonderful cook. Family holidays and Sunday afternoons were spent throughout her life with family members crowded around the dinner table in her small kitchen. And, because she was such a nurturer, she also soon found herself the favorite babysitter for the extended family. It was rare to visit her home and not find someone else's kid(s) underfoot, but every child that was lucky enough to land in her care was fortunate indeed – and sure to learn discipline and respect as well as joy, laughter, and a DEEP LOVE of family.

Tragically, Pearlene and Tommie did experience great loss as both of their cherished daughters died in adulthood. Unfair as it seems to the rest of us, Pearlene faced these losses much like any other misfortune – by turning to her faith. She never railed against God as some of us would. In fact, one of the most defining characteristics of Pearlene, throughout her life, was her impervious love for and faith in God. She truly managed to maintain the faith of a child – completely trusting and dependent on God, no matter her earthly pain.

Pearlene was blessed with three grandchildren - born to Pearlene's second daughter, Gayle.

Bradley Don Bland of Krum, was her first-born grandson and the first little boy that Pearlene and Tommie's family knew. He grew up to marry Breezy Butcher and was blessed with three of Pearlene's great grandchildren - Colton, Cheyan and Weldon.

Toby Allen Bland of Fort Worth, was her second-born grandson and - with his blonde hair and impish smile - just added a little more joy to the family. Toby grew up to marry Heather Springfield who gave birth to their first child, Madisyn, just last fall.

Lastly, Bryan Tommie Bland of Denton, was born to be the baby of the family. He spent his teens living with his grandparents and was his grandma's best friend and primary helper as she grew older.

Surrounded by her boys and all the nieces and nephews who loved her like a mom, she spent her later years cooking, playing cards and dominoes, reading, watching her favorite old westerns and worship programs, as well as talking about the old days.

Pearlene was memorable. Once folks met her, they didn't soon forget. She possessed a luminosity that stuck with people. She was kinder than most, more willing to sacrifice herself for others and just genuinely good. She will be sorely missed.

Pearlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughters and all six of her Sprabary brothers – Kenneth Ray of Lavernia, Billy Joe of Aubrey, Virgil Leo (Tobie) of Denton, Merrell Lee of Denton, James Allen of Denton and Johnnie Eugene of Denton.

Visitation will be held at DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton, TX on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  Pearlene's funeral will be conducted by Monya Howard at Ignited Fellowship Church on Mockingbird St at 11:00 on Saturday morning, followed by a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Crossroads, TX.