
Pearlie “Marie” (Gray) Webb
CLINTON – Pearlie “Marie” (Gray) Webb, 94, peacefully passed away on Oct. 14, 2021, as the Lord welcomed her into his open arms. Her daughter was with her at Maine General Hospital.
She was born in Stonington on April 26, 1927, and was the seventh of nine children in James W. Gray Sr. and Sadie “Kathleen” (Cleveland) Gray’s family. She attended Stonington schools until her freshman year, at which time she left school to care for her mother and younger siblings while her mother underwent cancer treatment. She later received her G.E.D the same year that her daughter graduated high school.
Marie worked as a waitress before meeting the handsome widower, Russell A. Webb of Oceanville. They were married on Sept. 21, 1952, at the Church on the Hill on Deer Isle. With this marriage she gained two stepsons, Wallace H. and David H. The following year, their daughter Joan W. was born. For several years Marie traveled across New England with Russell as he worked as an electrician. In 1959 they purchased a home in Clinton and settled down. Her home was filled with homemade meals and desserts which were shared with others in the community who were without families or facing difficulties. She was positive, independent, and progressive in her thoughts and deeds throughout her life.
She was a member of the Brown Memorial Methodist Church for 62 years and took on many roles. First as a Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher, assisting with events at the church and the food booth at the Clinton Lion’s Club fair. She ran the thrift shop at the Church for many years. Marie proudly held her position at the Candy Cane Christmas fair overseeing “Grannie’s Attic”. She was the official carrot peeler for the Turkey Pie Suppers held by the church. A longtime member of the Methodist Women’s Group. She was also a member of the Clinton Senior Citizen’s Group and attended meetings of the Clinton Historical Society.
Marie supplemented the family income by sewing and had a knack for tailoring garments to fit perfectly. She made her daughter’s school clothing every year and there was always a new nightgown to wear Christmas Eve. She taught her sewing skills in the Extension group when first moving to Clinton. She was a knitter, and crafter/artist in multiple mediums. She spent sunny days maintaining her flowerbeds and property.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband Russell in 2003; stepson, Wallace and his wife Margaret; step-grandchild, Scott D. Webb; brothers Guy, James Jr., Gordon, Alton, Carroll, and Everett “Boog” Gray and sister Norma Andrews.
Marie is survived by her daughter, Joan W. Bryson (Michael), stepson, David H. Webb; step-grandchildren Louise Chapman (Calvin). Michael Webb (Debbie) and Lisa Woodside (Jeff), David R. Webb; brother, Lyle (Terry) Gray, sister-in-law Elizabeth Gray’ and best friend, Carleen Nelson.
She loved the Wednesday soup and lunch day held at the United Methodist Church prior to Covid. Once it is safe for us to meet indoor, one will be scheduled so we can all be together and celebrate her life with her Clinton friends and family.
Her graveside service and burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery on Oceanville Road at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28. Please dress for the weather if driving to the island rather than traditional attire. It is customary to begin each trip onto the island with a picnic lunch. There is a scenic turn out on the top of Caterpillar Hill on Route 15 in Sedgwick or parking at the Bridge Edge Park after the Deer Isle/Sedgwick Bridge. We will stop from lunch between 12-1 p.m. at the Bridge Edge Park if you wish to meet us before heading to the cemetery.
The family would like to thank Cathy Baird for her support over the past year, Karen Robbins for coming to stay with Marie when needed, and Clinton Fire and Rescue for their kind and professional assistance on numerous occasion.
An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the
Brown Memorial United Methodist Church,
Box 58,
Clinton, ME 04927 or the
Clinton Fire and Rescue Department
in care of Clinton Town Office
27 Baker St.,
Clinton, ME 04927
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