Obituary of Pearl Braddock Thigpen

Pearl Braddock Thigpen, retired from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 83, with her oldest son by her side. Affectionately known as “Pretty Girl Pearl,” she was renowned for her independence, strength, and unwavering commitment to her family. Pearl was born on July 27, 1941, in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, to Clara Belle and William M. Braddock, Sr., the youngest of nine children. Pearl’s life was a living example of perseverance and purpose. She was a devoted mother to three sons and a woman who believed in leading by example—balancing hard work, faith, and education. She often held down multiple jobs, pursued night classes to earn her associate degree, and still found time to care for her family, her home, and her community. She was a breast cancer survivor of 25 years, overcame brain surgery, and weathered life’s storms with grace and grit. Her sense of humor and her daily prayers—often asking, “Why me, Lord… why three boys?”—became part of her legend, as much as her yard therapy, furniture restoration, and remodeling skills. Pearl was preceded in death by her beloved youngest son, Allen Thigpen; her parents; her brothers William Mansfield Braddock Jr., Willie Richard Braddock, James Howard Braddock, and Thomas Davis Braddock; and her sisters Lena Ozella Wallace, Louise Marie Forbes, and Martha Jane Ramsden. She is survived by her sons James M. Thigpen, wife Lisa and Brian P. Thigpen, both of West Monroe, LA; her sister Dorothy Lucille Goudeau of Bastrop, LA; her cherished grandchildren Isaiah Allen Thigpen and Kota Isabelle Thigpen, who lovingly called her “Nana”; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will remember her legacy. Pearl’s life will be celebrated with services held at 11 AM Friday, June 27, 2025 in the Chapel of Golden Funeral Home, Bastrop. Visitation will be from 10 AM until service time. In honor of Pearl, we remember a woman who turned trials into triumphs and made ordinary days extraordinary through her faith, wit, and relentless spirit.