Second born into the family, but not second best. Pearl Elizabeth Bell Snell Weaver would prove to the world that she would not be second fiddle to anyone. She was one of the strongest, yet kindest ladies I knew. I will never forget what a sharp mind she had up until the day she died at age 107. Pearl was born in Beans Creek in Franklin County, Tennessee. She came into the world on November 12, 1900 to William Cain Snell Sr. & Nannie Mary Spencer.
She voted every single year from the first date she was allowed until the day before her 107th birthday . She knew the meaning of how important it was for women to have the right to vote. She volunteered working in the Franklin county records department all her life. She also played the piano at Marble Plains church in Winchester, Tennessee. Community involvement, family, friends and God was what was important to Pearl. She had seen and experienced a lot in her lifetime from disagreeing with the coloreds as she call them, having to use a separate bath room as the whites. Just as the coloreds were not allowed to drink from the white’s water fountains.
Segregation bothered Pearl. She taught her son James to treat everyone as your brother. Sadly James died before she did. Her love of her life Cager Weaver also died before she did. They were farmers and had worked hard all their life. Pearl”s life was much more difficult than my own. I grew up in the city, but would get to come visit as an adult from time to time. I lived far away, usually 500 miles from my sweet Aunt. But when I was able to visit my Aunt, she always knew who I was, and always had something sweet to say about me. For Pearl's 107th Birthday, of course ....I couldn't find the perfect card with a 107 on it. So, since I could not find the perfect card, I decided to make Pearl a crown to wear with a 107 on it, so she could wear it for the entire day. She wore her crown with grace during her Birthday celebration. The year my Aunt Pearl died she was the oldest living voter in Tennessee. She sure was, and still is missed to this day. But boy did she live a long wonderful, eventful life. By no mans was she ever second fiddle to anyone at age 107. With her mind still in tact, and her face still as beautiful with a glow....may you Rest In Peace Aunt sweet Aunt Pearl Elizabeth Bell Snell Weaver. We will miss you, but will see you in Heaven. Written by: Great Niece Terri Solomon McGhee