Pearl S. Shafer

  Pearlie Sue “Pearl” Shafer, age 88, of Wilkesville, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026 at Jenkins Care Community in Wellston. She was born April 16, 1938 in West Liberty, Kentucky, daughter of the late Hubert Gambill and Ethel Mae Daniels Gambill. Pearl was a 1956 graduate of Zaleski High School and worked for Goodyear of Jackson until her retirement. She loved traveling with her husband and family and tending to her flower gardens. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Pearl is survived by the love of her life and husband of 67 years, John F. Shafer; daughters, Debbie Lackey of Wellston and Darla Hager (TJ) of Columbus; grandchildren, Jordan Lackey (Sabrina Adkins) of Wellston, Justin Lackey of Columbus, Devon Fogel (Ashley) of Columbus, Christen Wolf of Germany, John M. Shafer of Columbus, Andrew Parker Shafer (Kayla Morgan) of Hamden and Mariah Shough (Tyler Brown) of Wellston; great-grandchildren, Sophia Marie Lackey, Phoebe Fogel, Elias Shafer, Xayah and Elrik Mercer and Sarah, Michael, Sam and Lewis Wolf. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her only son, John Michael Shafer; son-in-law Mike Lackey; brother, Buddy Gambill; sisters, Ruby Thacker, Brenda Murdoch and Bonnie Knight; brothers-in-law, Terry Walker, Calvin Knight and Gene Thacker. Calling hours will be Tuesday, August 25, from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will follow the calling hours at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Stan Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Elk Cemetery in McArthur. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.