Miss Pearl Joy Brown's Obituary
Pearl Joy Brown wasn’t meant for this world. Not that any of us are, but a diagnosis of Alobar Holoprosencephaly at her 20-week ultrasound led to her being declared “not compatible with life.” Despite the medical community’s dire predictions, Eric and Ruth Brown welcomed their third child into the world in the early hours of July 27, 2012. Her parents had prepared themselves for the very likely reality that they would not bring her home from the hospital, but 4-pound, 3-ounce Pearl defied the doctors. It turns out God had other plans.
Pearl did come home, spending five years, eight months and two days as the center of her family, doted on by older siblings Brennan and Abbey. While she endured seizures and respiratory issues as well as a host of other complications throughout her life, Pearl was a unique display of the Creator’s handiwork. Her inverted nose, shock of red hair and three-lipped smile were unmistakable.
Her unlikely story drew media attention, resulting in feature articles in The Tennessean and The Washington Times, and her father shared Pearl’s story through a beautifully honest series of blog entries and social media posts. A photographer by trade, his black-and-white images documented the reality of family life with Pearl.
Hospital stays and overnight nursing staff were part of everyday life, but despite the hardships of her condition – or maybe because of them – her parents refer to Pearl’s life as “an explosion of grace.” Although Pearl never uttered a word, her impact was felt far beyond her Nashville home. The effect her life had will never truly be known this side of Heaven.
In recent months, it became clear that little Pearl’s body was slowing down. Her family canceled nursing shifts and hunkered down in Pearl’s room for that final week. She passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018, surrounded by her parents and siblings. Pearl is finally liberated from the limitations of her body and is home with the God who continues to sustain those left behind.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, from 11 am to 1 pm at The Village Chapel followed by a service to celebrate Pearl’s life at 1 pm at that same location. The Village Chapel is located at 2021 21st Ave. South, Nashville, Tennessee. Burial will follow at Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Pearl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Pearl?
Share a story where Pearl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Pearl you’ll never forget.
How did Pearl make you smile?
