Pearl Dean Kendall Sosby
Pearl Dean Kendall Sosby, age 94, joyfully celebrated the birth of Christ in Heaven with her Savior on Thursday, December 25, as she entered eternal life on Christmas Day. While the world marked the holy night with carols and candlelight, Pearl stepped into the promise she had long believed—peace, joy, and everlasting life.
Born on the first day of summer, June 21, 1931, in Paris, Kentucky, Pearl was the daughter of the late Holly Swift and Blanche Myers Pridemore. She was a graduate of Clintonville High School and spent many years as a dedicated employee of Hansley Mill. Later, she worked alongside her beloved sister, Betty, at Ardrey Drugstore—time she treasured deeply.
Pearl was a faithful member and deacon of Antioch Christian Church, where she served the Lord alongside her siblings in the church choir and through humble acts of service, including cleaning the church. Her quiet devotion, servant’s heart, and unwavering faith were evident to all who knew her.
She married the late Lester Kendall and from that union was born her cherished daughter, Debra Lynn Parke (Doug). Pearl was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, finding her greatest joy in family. She is survived by her daughter Debbie (Doug); her granddaughter, Holli (Drew) Hatmaker; and her two treasured great-grandsons, Knox and Breck Hatmaker. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Terry, whom she loved dearly and shared a lifelong bond. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Following Lester’s passing in 1990, Pearl later found love and companionship again when she married Paul Sosby. Together, they shared a beautiful chapter of life built on faith, love, and McDonalds. Through this marriage, Pearl gained two step-children, Eddie (Mickie) Sosby and Paulada Hiles (the late Don).
Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Lester Kendall and Paul Sosby; her sisters, Elizabeth Haney and Katharine Wagoner; and her brothers, Tommy, Phillip, Bill, and Bo Pridemore.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bourbon Heights, especially Unit 1, for the love, compassion, and exceptional care shown to Pearl over the years. Your kindness brought comfort not only to Pearl, but to all who loved her.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 30, visitation was from 10am-1pm with the service at 1pm at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Jan Ehrmantraut, with burial following at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Casket bearers were Drew Hatmaker, Mike Parke, Mark Norenberg, Scotty Thacker, Keith Parke, German Palencia, Knox Hatmaker, and Breck Hatmaker.
Honorary pallbearers included Doug Parke, Donnie Wagoner, Eddie Sosby, Mike and Judy Horne, Betty Prebble, Kathy Barnes, and the Unit 1 staff of Bourbon Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Christian Church.
Pearl’s life was one of faith, family, and quiet grace. Her Christmas Day passing is a gentle reminder of her belief in the greatest gift of all—the promise of eternal life through Christ.
