Published on September 10, 2026 4:23 pm
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 4:23 pm
Pearl M. Christianson, 93, of Elliottstown, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Marion, IL.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Arborcrest Memorial Park in (Funkhouser) rural Effingham. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made directly to Shiloh Christian Children’s Home, 601 North Center Street, P.O. Box 606, Shelbina, MO 63468-0606. Online condolences may be shared at johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Pearl was born on April 17, 1933 in Elliottstown, IL, the daughter of Daniel Gephart and Violet Woody. She married Clarence Christianson on June 2, 1951, and he preceded her in death on May 4, 2021. Pearl Marie Christianson (Gephart) was a woman of deep faith, warm generosity and unmistakable spunk. Her love for Jesus was at the center of her life and could be seen in the intentional way she cared for her family, nurtured her friendships, and stewarded all that she had been given. Pearl shared a life of adventure with her husband, Chris Christianson, whose Air Force career took them to England, and other duty stations throughout the United States. Along the way, Pearl built a successful career of her own as an Air Force civilian in retail management, working in base exchanges wherever they were stationed. She was intelligent and sharp, yet always personal, gracious, and kind. Pearl believed in living simply so that she could give generously, and generosity became one of the hallmarks of her life. She delighted in her flower gardens, especially her beloved irises and daffodils, and remained active, fun, and full personality well into her later years. She also had a wonderful sense of style and took great pride in putting herself together, often appearing in beautifully coordinated outfits that even the younger generations noticed and admired. Above all, Pearl lived intentionally. She was intentional in her faith, in her relationships, in her generosity, and in the way she cared for the people and blessings God entrusted to her. She loved her family and friends deeply and her life leaves behind a beautiful example of gratefulness, joy, and life generously shared with others.
Pearl is survived by her sisters, Hazel and Ada; and brother, Howard.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; sisters, Vecellia and Leona; and brothers, Earnest, Glen, Floyd and Arlan.