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 Pearlie Mae York was born August 26, 1932, in Kyrock, Kentucky, in a two-room home in Ridgedale, a company town owned by the Kentucky Rock Asphalt Company, where her father, Hillery Hayes, was employed. She was the youngest child of Hillery and Minnie Sowders Hayes and was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Oval Garner, Ezra Garner, Eltie Lee (Garner) Decker, and Levier Hayes.
She passed peacefully from what she often called a “wonderful life,” surrounded by love, on December 30, 2025, at Twin Lakes Hospital in Leitchfield. Pearlie Mae grew up in Kyrock and later Bee Spring. She was saved during services led by Rev. Vernon Wilson at Christian Home General Baptist Church, where she became a lifelong member. She also faithfully attended Anneta United Baptist Church for many years and later McGrew Memorial General Baptist Church until her health no longer allowed regular attendance. She married Athel York in 1949, and together they welcomed their son, Ron. The family settled in the Anneta community of Grayson County, which remained her home for more than 70 years. She is survived by her son, Ron York, and his wife, Shayne, of Leitchfield; her grandson, Chad York, his wife Savannah, and their sons, Ethan and Mason, of Alvaton, Kentucky; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. She held special affection for her “boys,” Chris Semones and Andrew Taylor Whobrey, and her devoted caregivers, Aggie, Crystal, Mazie, and Rhonda. A pioneer of her generation, Pearlie Mae attended high school in Kyrock and became a successful businesswoman. She and Athel established York’s Market (now Ralph's) in Anneta in 1969, later owning and operating Bestway Foods in Clarkson. After selling her business and retiring, she was soon recruited back into the grocery business at Houchens/IGA in Leitchfield, where she worked until age 88, finally retiring in 2020. Pearlie Mae and Athel took great pride in helping establish the Leitchfield–Grayson County Airport and the adjacent golf course, donating land for the benefit of the community. They also donated land and years of service to help establish the Anneta Volunteer Fire Department. Their love for Grayson County and its people was evident in their lifelong generosity. She was deeply involved in Relay for Life in memory of her mother and was a charter member of the Twin Lakes Business and Professional Women Organization. She also participated in local women’s and homemakers’ clubs and served on the Warren RECC Advisory Board and the Anneta VFD Women’s Auxiliary. Pearlie Mae loved traveling with family and friends, especially Athel, enjoying adventures across the United States and around the world, including Europe, Asia, South America, and numerous cruises. She cherished time spent golfing and hosting loved ones at her Smoky Mountain cabins. She asked that special thanks be extended to her many dear friends and to the staff of Grayson Manor Nursing and Rehab for the care, encouragement, and hope they provided her in her last months. Pearlie Mae York was a faithful Christian, a devoted friend, and an inspiration to many. She sought to live by Christ’s example, showing compassion, generosity, and love to all, often quietly helping neighbors and feeding those in need. “The purpose of life is to be useful, honorable, and compassionate, to make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson VISITATION 2 - 7 PM, Friday, January 2, 2026 9 - 11 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026 Anneta United Baptist Church FUNERAL SERVICE 11 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026 Anneta United Baptist Church ARRANGEMENTS BY PATTON FUNERAL HOME-BROWNSVILLE CHAPEL Comments are closed.
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February 2026
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