Lemuel “Pearl” Shines was born on July 3, 1940, in McKinney, Texas, to Lemuel Kirkum and Lillie Mae Kirkum. She was one of five siblings: three sisters, Sandra Nell Kirkum, Lillie Mae Norris and Betsy Kay Jones, and one brother, Melvin Kirkum. Her parents and siblings preceded her in death.
In her early years, Pearl was an electrician at Raytheon where she assembled radios. After doing that, she became a licensed cosmetologist and enjoyed being a service to others during her adult years.
Later in life she had a genuine passion for helping those in need and taking care of everyone around her. Her commitment was being a caregiver in and outside of her home, giving most of her nurturing to the disabled and the elderly. She took care of generations of families with no hesitation.
Pearl accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior in 1959, in California, where she met and married Charles Shines. They moved to Texas in 1971, where they raised their two children Darrell and Karen (KK). She was the First Lady at True Holiness Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Plano, Texas, where she was involved with multiple ministries including directing the choir, being the YPWW president, Sunday school and Bible band teacher, as well as youth director, until 1985, when they moved to Spokane, Washington.
Once in Spokane they became members of Refreshing Springs COGIC, under the leadership of Pastor Timothy Buchanan. In the late 1980s, they moved their membership to Holy Temple COGIC, under the leadership of Pastor Ezra D. Kinlow where she was a member until she gained her wings. During her time at Holy Temple, she was a member of the “Golden Girls Circle,” an active member of the women’s department, a devoted sponsor to the Rehoboth Dancers, and a Sunday school and bible study teacher. She was also an Honorary Member of Mt. Zion Holiness Church, under the leadership of Pastor Tommy Whitman.
Mother Shines loved nature and the outdoors. She enjoyed gardening and watching her favorite shows. At any given time, she would have her gospel music playing throughout her home. Mother Shines made sure she had her nails and her hair done routinely and she took pride in her appearance. She loved to cook and go out to eat with her friends and family. She was able to fellowship with anyone around her and everyone loved her company.
Left to cherish her memories are her two children, Darrell of Paris, France and Karen Whitman (Tommy) of Spokane. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Brittiny, Martin Jr, Zechariah, Hannah, Nina and Caito; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and, nephews; and other extended family; as well as a large church family and community.