Audrey Pearl Brewer

Audrey Pearl (Chism) Brewer was born on January 25, 1937 in Baldwyn, Mississippi to Clayton and Hattie (Cruz) Chism. Pearl, as she was known to family and friends, grew up with her brother Clyde, sister Janie, and brother Amos (“Spooky”), who was her best friend growing up. 

Pearl married James P. Shepard in Arkansas in 1954. JP and Pearl were blessed with two sons: Rick in 1955 and Terry in 1956. The family lived in Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana and Michigan before settling in Anthony, Kansas in 1961. Rick recalled a time during his childhood that Pearl came to his school program in a brilliant blue coat, and his friends told him that his Mama was beautiful (and, she certainly was). Pearl picked fruit and cotton before coming to Kansas, where she joined the Anthony Laundry & Dry Cleaners; a job she loved dearly. Later, she worked with her sister Janie cleaning local homes. 

She married Kenneth Brewer in Anthony in 1982. Pearl and Kenny worked as greenskeepers at the Anthony Golf Club, and as painters. She also provided loving care to her son Terry as his illness progressed before he passed in 2000. 

One of Pearl’s proudest titles was “Momo” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Andrea and Erin had the privilege of living across the street from Momo and Popo for their entire childhoods and could often be found at their house. Together, they enjoyed makeup and hairstyling sessions, endless games of Uno and Skip-Bo, flying paper airplanes and lots and lots of “Look at Me” talent shows and beauty pageants. She shared a love of puzzles with Andrea and introduced Erin to the music of Patsy Cline. She had a special spot in her heart for Erin’s husband, Philip, and the girls’ mother, Beverly Martinez. 

Pearl was blessed again with her great-grandchildren Jaden, Jackson and Kinsley, and loved getting to see and hug on her babies. When Jaden arrived in 2001, Pearl was thrilled and comforted after the loss of Terry. She showered each of them with love and attention. Pearl moved to Oklahoma City in 2022, to live with her dear son Rick and daughter-in-law Michelle. Pearl and Michelle developed a very special bond. There, she was able to enjoy her bonus granddaughters and great-grandchildren, who loved to talk and play with Momo. She was so proud of her family and would tell others, in her thick Southern accent, how much she loved them all. An amazing cook, Pearl was famous for her homemade chicken and noodles that can never be replicated. She loved fishing, baking pies, word games and Solitaire. 

Pearl passed away at Mercy Hospital on August 14, 2025 with Rick and Michelle by her side. While we are heartbroken that Pearl has left us, we are overjoyed to know that she has been reunited with her Mama and her beloved son, Terry Wayne. Pearl is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Clyde and Spooky, her son Terry, and her former daughter-in-law, Beverly Martinez. 

She is survived by her son Rick and daughter-in-law Michelle, of Oklahoma City; granddaughter Andrea Shepard of Kansas City, KS; granddaughter Erin Newman and her husband Philip, and great-grandchildren Jaden, Jackson and Kinsley of Wichita, KS; granddaughter Misty Warfield and husband Brian and great-grandchildren Noah, Carter, Harrison and Jude of Oklahoma City; and granddaughter Heather Xoquic and her husband Julio, and great-grandchildren Parker, Willow and Elliott of Panajachel, Guatemala; her dear sister Janie Porter of Anthony, KS; her former husband Kenneth Brewer of Anthony, KS; other relatives and many friends. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, with burial to follow at Spring Grove Cemetery. Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.