Pearlie Thomas began her career with HCPS in 1968 as a teacher at Arlington Elementary School, now known as Harry E. James Elementary. She served there for several years before moving over to teach at Woodlawn Learning Center, from 1971 to 1976.
Pearlie Thomas found herself back where she started during the 1976-1977 school year when she became the principal of Harry E. James Elementary. Pearlie held this position at HCPS for 10 years before becoming the principal of Patrick Copeland in 1986.
Shortly after her time as the Cardinal Principal, Pearlie became a Supervisor at the Central Office and served in that role until 1993. During her last three years with the division, Pearlie became the Supervisor of Alternative Education, and then the Director of Alternative Education in 1994. Beginning in the early 1990's she served as the Executive Director of the Hopewell Head Start Program.
Pearlie Thomas retired in July of 1996 from HCPS after 28 years of dedicated service to the students and staff of Hopewell Schools, and that dedicated service still resonates within the division.
"We have been extremely fortunate at HCPS to stand on the shoulders of so many wonderful educators who have come before us. We join Pearlie's family and friends in celebrating her life, legacy and dedicated years of service to our school division,” Dr. Melody Hackney, Superintendent of Hopewell City Schools said.
The funeral service for Pearlie Thomas is scheduled for Saturday, July 15 at 1 p.m. It will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church, located at 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803.