Pearl Lorraine Kiser was born in Tillamook, Oregon on July 22, 1937 to Melvin and Rosalie (Phelps) Dawson. Pearl, surrounded by loved ones peacefully passed away in Tillamook on July 18, 2018 at the age of 80. She lived in Beaver, Oregon her entire life attending Beaver Grade School and graduating from Nestucca Union High School in 1955.
She remained a Bobcat fan for the rest of her life. Pearl had several jobs throughout her life including running a day care center in her home and later working as a bookkeeper for the Lamb-Schrader Company, Beaver School District, Tillamook Insurance and most recently for Rosenburg’s Builders Supply. She was a passionate and talented dancer who enjoyed doing so at the Tillamook Dance Club, the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge.
She is undoubtedly now dancing in heaven. Pearl was an Oregon Symphony season ticket holder for over 40 years and although a small lady was very fond of the huge luxurious Sunday and Easter Brunch Buffets at the Heathman Hotel next to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in downtown Portland. She did not like to cook and once burnt bake potatoes when preparing for a dinner party – which isn’t the easiest thing to do.
Her “seven-layer salad” and peach pies were good, but her real fortes were keeping a meticulous home and extensively decorating it for every holiday – most particularly Christmas. Pearl also loved to travel throughout the US and Europe as well as her annual trips to Leavenworth, WA. , Victoria B.C. and Phoenix, Az.
Volunteering to help those in need was a very important part of her life. Recently she did so at the “Grub Club” and the “Monday Night Suppers” in Tillamook and as the President of the Tillamook County Relay for Life Fundraiser (American Cancer Society). She also held a “garage sale” at her home every Labor Day weekend to benefit Hospice Services of Tillamook County.
A memorial sale will be done so – in her honor this year. Besides her family and friends Pearls faith was one of the cornerstones of her entire life. She was an active member of St. Albans Episcopal Church in Tillamook.
Pearl is survived by her sons Fr. Michael Johnston and Melvin Johnston. Grandchildren Travis Wagner (Anna) and Sara Johnston.
Great Grandchildren Kayden Wagner and Kylee Wagner. Brother Leroy “Bud” Dawson (Reka). Sister Darlena Willis and three nephews and one niece: Don Willis (Debbie), Darrell Willis, Leland Dawson (Mary Lou) and Evelyn Mast (Timothy) as well as numerous cousins and even more numerous friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for Pearl on July 28, 2018 at 11:00am. at St. Albans Episcopal Church followed by a Luncheon Reception at the Tillamook United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Services of Tillamook County, the American Cancer Society, St Albans Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.
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