Pearl Hernandez

Pearl Irene Hernandez, 70, of Safford, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at her home in Safford surrounded by her loving children. She was born on February 12, 1951 in Safford Arizona to Lavell and Nadine Layton Martin. She graduated from Safford High School, Class of 1969. She is survived by her five children: Mark Hernandez (Marisol), Brett Martin (Rebecca), Amy Sanchez, Becky Hernandez and Emily Hernandez, and her siblings: Fred Martin, Brent Martin (Jan), Jim Martin (Liz), Velda Green (Darvel), Nada Spurgeon (Jimmy), Emma Batty (Jon), Grant Martin, Cindy Carter (David), and Verdean Smith (Bub), as well as her 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Pearl considered one of her greatest accomplishments, aside from raising her five children, as having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University with a 4.0 GPA. She later achieved her Master's Degree of Education in1997. She was an educator at heart and taught sixth grade ELA (English Language Arts) in the Thatcher School District for 17 years until her retirement. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority and held the office of president for a full term. Some of her hobbies included reading books, as she considered them her friends, and she enjoyed taking scrapbooking classes at the local college. She looked forward to Tuesdays because they were dubbed "Tuesday Therapy Day". She would spend time with some of her sisters then, as they crafted, caught up with one another and had quality time together. She was a devout and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings throughout her lifetime, and enjoyed them all, especially when serving with the children. She was unconditionally loving, a nurturing and supportive mother, and abounded in charity. Pearl had a particular gift for making the most delicious pies and was always willing to bring them to family events. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and long remembered for the innumerable lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Brendan Sanchez, her father, Lavell Martin, her mother, Nadine Martin and her step-mother, Laree Martin, sister-in-law Sherry Martin, as well as her beloved cat, Sweet Pea. Viewing will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the 20th Street Chapel in Safford of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Final viewing will be on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 9:00-9:45 AM at the church prior to services. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 15, 2021 with Bishop LaMont Whetten officiating. Interment will follow at the Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make donations, they will be accepted via Venmo to Rebecca Hernandez @Rebecca-Hernandez-43 Arrangements were cared for by McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel located at 112 E. Main St. Safford, AZ 85546, 928-428-1740. Services will be broadcast via zoom, please click on the address below: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/91075502083?pwd=eFdKU1N6dXpUQWMwcVcwSndvbWl0UT09