REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE PEARL C. QUARLES

BY AJ WOODSON

The Honorable Pearl C. Quarles was a person of many “firsts.” Quarles was the first African-American woman to serve as a Westchester County Legislator, the first African American woman to serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators, the first African-American to serve as president of the New Rochelle Board of Education, I had the privilege of getting to know Pearl Quarles during my time with former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Pearl was an exceptional woman and a trailblazer - the first African American Westchester County Legislator, the first African American President of the New Rochelle Board of Education, and the first African American to be hired in a ‘white collar’ position in Westchester County’s banking industry. She was also the first female chair of the Shiloh Baptist Church board of trustees in New Rochelle. Through her service as a legislator, a business professional, a religious leader, President of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, a leader in the New Rochelle NAACP, and myriad other roles, Pearl Quarles personified public service. She left an indelible mark on our community, on all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed. and the first African-American to be hired in a “white collar” position in Westchester’s banking industry.

In addition, Mrs. Quarles - who was a proud Republicanserved as the first female chair of the board of trustees of Shiloh Baptist Church in New Rochelle, and currently is a member of the executive committee of the New Rochelle chapter of the NAACP. In addition, she has been active in many local organizations including: The New Rochelle League of Women Voters, Sister to Sister International and the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus and was a member of the New Rochelle school board from 1971 through 1980.

Most of Quarles’ business experience has been in the field of accounting, and she was the comptroller/office manager of a major private company for 19 years. In addition to serving as a legislator she worked for Westchester County as a specialist in job development and employee training. Quarles has always been a volunteer at numerous community organizations and currently serves on the board of directors at United Hebrew, a health care and rehabilitation facility in New Rochelle.

In 2015 Ms. Quarles was inducted in the Westchester County Hall Of Fame at the age of 86. On Wednesday, September 6th at the age of 92, she transitioned in the morning at New Rochelle Hospital.

Black Westchester celebrates the life and legacy the Honorable Pearl C. Quarles

[I’m happy I was able to offer her flowers while she was still living, and the above is an excerpt from my latest book, Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women of Westchester. She read what I wrote about her in the book, appreciated it, and thanked me for included her. On Saturday, March 4, 2023, during a booksigning hosted by the White Plains/ Greenburgh NAACP and the Westchester AKAs at the Greenburgh Public Library, WBWPC President Subomi Macauley presented Mother Quarles with a copy of the book and snapped the picture above - top right.].

In celebration of her Life & Legacy we comprised a colelction of comments, quotes and memories from those who knew her best and whose lives she touched.

On behalf of the entire membership of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Inc., particularly the New Rochelle Chapter, we extend our sincere sympathies on the passing of our first countywide Treasurer Hon Pearl Christian Quarles. - Subomi Macauley, WBWPC President

I have fond memories of Pearl. She was a fierce warrior and a woman, who was willing to stand alone on her convictions. I often went to Pearl for wise counsel. Not only is this a deep loss for the Caucus, but the Black community and Westchester County as a whole. May her indelible legacy live on. Madame Legislator, we salute you, - Nicole Benjamin, WBWPC Countywide First Vice President

The Yonkers Chapter would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of Pearl C. Quarles whom we referred to as “Queen Mother Pearl” such a remarkable, kind, elegant, and beautiful woman with whom we relied on as a voice of importance. We pray to the Lord for the peace of Pearl’s family, friends, and Caucus Chapter Sisters.

- The Yonkers Chapter of Westchester Black Womens Political Caucus

Mother Pearl was a trailblazer & a leader for the Black community for decades. She was so full of love for everyone and exemplified competence, excellence, and grace. She loved being a member of the NAACP and we loved her so much. She will be greatly missed.

- Elder Mark McLean, President of New Rochelle NAACP

One of the classiest Woman I know loved her Rest In Paradise Mrs Quarles - Cookie Alexander-Campbell

Rest In Heavenly Peace My Forever Friend. I’ve known you since I was five years old. You were mom’s lifelong friend. The memories and countless conversations that we had will forever be dear to my heart. I will always be your little Rosa.

- Rosa Metz

It is with great sadness that I share with my reunion family the passing of Mrs. Pearl Quarles, the beautiful mother of Ernst “Ernie” Quarles a fellow classmate and his sister Donna Quarles. Mrs. Quarles was a pillar of our community and the FIRST African American woman to serve as a Westchester County Legislator. Overall she was just a wonderful individual, a trailblazer. There wasn’t a time when you’d run into her that she wasn’t advocating for someone or something,but before the conversation ended she would have that big, beautiful smile on her face and begin encouraging you too. That was a huge part of her life to support and uplift others and I thank God to have met her because she was a person determined to make a difference in those who’s paths she crossed. Mrs. Pearl Quarles was such a joy to talk to and a true queen of New Rochelle who will be missed by many. May she rest in eternal peace.

- Cindy Bailey Hubbard, 1973 New Rochelle High Class Reunion

The City of New Rochelle, the Queen City of the Sound, has lost it’s Queen. Mrs. Quarles poured into everyone she met. Her CV is full of accomplishments and her life was full of acts of caring and kindness. In addition to her husband, she joins a host of New Rochelle movers and shakers in Glory! - Nancy Hite-Norde Pearl C. Quarles was #HerStoric the first African American to serve on the New Rochelle School Board and the first to serve as it’s President. She also was the first African-American woman to serve on the County Board of Legislators. Where it had only been Ernie Davis and Herman Keith she joined them in 1993 fighting for undeserved communities. She was that voice. While we didn’t always agree we held mutual respect. May she Rest in Peace and Power!! - Mount Vernon Councilwoman Lisa A. Copeland