By: T. Leon Preston
HOUSTON – A Houston community servant and “Ma Dear” to all, Pearlie Mae Lane Tezino, died at the age of 95.
Born in Joaquin, Texas on April 1, 1925 to the late David and Mary Lane, Pearlie Mae – mother, cook, beautician, bus driver, business owner, confidant, friend and the list goes on – wore many hats, both literally and figuratively. She was the oldest of five daughters born under the lineage of the Lane Family.
Pearlie Mae grew up on “Ed Cotton’s Farm” in Louisiana and attended the Israelite School on Grand Cane Route. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at the age of nine at the Israelite Baptist Church. She served as an usher for many years under Mrs. Beth Salem. In 1942, she united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, the late Clearance Preston, at the courthouse in Center, Texas. God blessed their marriage with 12 children, Ruby Lee (Deceased), Clarence, Willie D, Lee Arthur, Maggie Lee, Jesse Foster, Martha Marie, Georgia Mae, Shirley Jean, Mary Catherine, Terry Leon, and Dorothy Denise.
She was proud of her family heritage of hard-working women, and knew what it meant to be a wife, mother and sister, balancing time and energy to each role.
In 1947, Clarence and Pearlie moved to Houston, Texas and lived in the Royal Terrace Community. She attended Pure Light Baptist Church and served as an active member of the Ways and Means Auxiliary. Later they met the Rev. & Mrs. L. W. Wilson and became a member of the Wilson Temple Baptist Church.
In 1962, Pearlie Mae united with the Lyons Unity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. O. C. Johnson. She served as president of Mission #2 and sang in the Unity Chorus. On Sunday mornings, you could find her in the kitchen at the church preparing the morning breakfast.
Mrs. Beatrice Darrett invited Pearlie Mae to join the Heroines of Jericho Court #431, where Pearlie later became the Queen over the young people with Sister Willie Mae Gipson as their district deputy.
Pearlie Mae worked in catering for Beverly Joe Woodrow at the airport. She graduated from Franklin Beauty College and worked as a beautician with Mrs. Hollimon. She drove part time as a school bus driver for the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
On January 7, 1974, she married Obery Joseph Tezino and they remained married until his death on March 12, 1981.
She owned and operated the Houston Coral Restaurant on Lockwood St.
She leaves to cherish her fond memories, 8 children: Clarence E. (Lola), Willie D (Geneva), Lee A. (Peggy), Maggie L., Jesse F., Martha Marie, Shirley J. and Dorothy D., all of Houston, Texas; 37 grandchildren, 92 great grandchildren, 49 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild. She also has one sister: Cutee Lane -Sherman of Houston, two God-daughters, Clara Howard and Dorrise Jenkins, and a host of nieces, nephews, more relatives and friends.
