Pearlene Sappington (90), passed away peacefully in her sleep to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Wesley House Assisted Living located in Gainesville, Texas.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Waldo Funeral Home located at 619 N. Travis Street Sherman, Texas.

Graveside services will take place on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery located at 710 Fair Avenue Gainesville, Texas with Pastor Eddie Chenault officiating.

Pearlene was born on September 14, 1932, in Olney, Texas to Earl Samuel Kemp and Beatrice (Gray) Kemp. Pearlene was happily married to Donald Everett Wilborn, with whom she shared two sons who were her absolute pride and joy, from October 26, 1948, until he passed in December 1956. Pearlene met and later married the love of her life William (Bill) F. Sappington on July 6, 1961, and they were blessed to spend 39 wonderful years together before he passed on October 10, 2000. Bill and Pearlene were avid travelers with their closest friends as members of the Circus Town Sam's Trailer Club. With retiring in their early 40's, they traveled all over the United States for many years. Branson and South Texas trips were always their favorite. When they weren't traveling or attending functions for their 6 grandchildren, they spent their time surrounded by family and friends fishing, relaxing and playing card games at their lake house on Lake Texoma.  When home, they both enjoyed volunteering within their church and with Meals on Wheels making deliveries. Most of all, she treasured quality time with her friends and family regardless of the activity or venue.

Pearlene was a long-time member of Temple Baptist Church in Gainesville and rarely missed a Sunday until Covid happened. In 1945, at a young age Pearlene accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in Olney, Texas. Her favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:6 "in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." It was her life goal to make sure all her family members had a relationship with God. She was our fierce prayer warrior who prayed each morning when she awoke, throughout the day and on her knees by her bed every night. She also believed strongly in the power of having a prayer partner as well and would not hesitate to ask you to pray out loud with her at the same time when needed.

Pearlene was preceded in death by her son Ricky Dale Wilborn, husbands Donald Everett Wilborn & Bill Sappington, parents Earl & Beatrice Kemp, sisters Shirley Clover and Earlene Robinson, brother Sammy Kemp, and 2 great grandchildren.

Pearlene is survived by her son Don Wilborn & wife Patricia of Sherman, grandchildren Jennifer Brown and husband Mike of Conroe, TX, Coby Wilborn & wife Lisa of Salida, CO, Buffy Snider and husband Warren of Moscow, ID, Shanna Eggleston and husband Perry of Valley View, TX, Devin Clearman and husband Mitchell of Aubrey, TX and Ashley Carson of Hamlin, TX. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her best friend of over 50 years Betty Boone.

The family would like to share their appreciation and give special thanks to the employees of Wesley House of Gainesville and Heart to Heart Hospice for their dedication and kindness in caring for our beloved mother and grandmother this past year.

Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com