Pearley Long Yelverton was born and raised in Kittrell, North Carolina as the middle to oldest daughter of Joe and Sallie Long. Her foundation of faith, service, and hard work was formed at an early age. She and her siblings worked on their farm, participated in the 4-H Club, attended Sunday School, and were athletic.

 

A long-time resident of Durham, North Carolina, “The Bull City,” Pearley advocates for and supporters women living with chronic illnesses. She has been a breast cancer survivor for more than 49 years. Her awards included the “MORE THAN PINK AWARD” given at the Triangle Race for Cure in 2019. Pearley was honored with the North Carolina Ruth Bowen Founder’s Award, the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina Distinguished Service Award, and Who’s Who Among Cambridge VIP. Her work experience in Duke Medicine’s Financial Management spanned 34 years before she retired.

 

Pearley is a board member of the Durham Mayor‘s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and her proudest moment was being selected as Honorary Principal for Vance County Elementary School. She has been a member of the historic Union Baptist Church, in Durham, for many years. Her involvement in Disciple Intake, Caregivers, Breast Cancer Support, and Epilepsy Support Ministries is her service to God. She and her late husband, Clarence were married for over forty years before he passed. She and her “Boo” bore four children, Clarence Jr., Grear, Bernard, and Nikki. Pearly is the proud grandmother of Jordyn Pennie Yelverton.

 

A writer since childhood, Pearley’s works include: A Prep Course for New Parents, Who’s That’s Lady?, Is There Any Hope?, and The Blood. Pearley’s Pearls is her first publication.