Pearline Bulls of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died peacefully at Kindred Hospital on January 22, 2014, while being comforted by her sister, Mary Louise Bulls and cousin, Daryl (Dale) Cunningham. She died after a long and debilitating illness, which she suffered with her characteristic restraint, dignity and indomitable spirit.
She was born on June 1, 1947 in Center Star, Al., as the middle child of the late William George Bulls, Jr. and Lucy Bell Harden Bulls. Pearline was the cherished sister of Patricia Ann Bulls Butler (MacArthur); Ray Evelyn Russell (Andrew); Mary Louise Bulls; William George Bulls, III (Beverly); Carl Erskine Bulls (Iris); adored aunt of three nieces and seven nephews; beloved niece of numerous aunts and uncles; loving cousin to more than one can count; and dear and devoted friend to innumerable individuals throughout the United States.
Pearline was formally educated in the Lauderdale County Alabama school system, graduating from East End High School in 1966. She embarked upon her life-long career goal of becoming a nurse by enrolling in E.H. Crump School of Nursing in Memphis. She left that nursing school and briefly matriculated at Florence State Teacher’s College. Not to be dissuaded from her desire for a career in nursing, Pearline enrolled at St. Vincents School of Nursing in Birmingham, where she was awarded her diploma in 1971.
She then embarked upon her life-long career as a health care professional, initially working as an operating room nurse in various hospitals in Cleveland, Oh. During her tenure in the operating room, Pearline became aware of promotional opportunities for more challenging positions in that arena, particular that of a nurse anesthetist. Consequently, she applied and was accepted at the University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Anesthesia, where she earned a certificate of anesthesia in 1976, and was certified as a nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Pearline worked as a CRNA in Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii, Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee, including Erlanger, Park Ridge, and Memorial Hospital. Pearline retired in April 2013 after a 44-year distinguished career as a health care professional.
Pearline joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1985 as a captain in the Army Nurse Corp. She was honorably discharged in 1997, having achieved the rank of major.
From an early age, Pearline was blessed with an indefatigable spirit and joy for life; her enthusiasm was infectious and her smile dazzling. The brightest star in our universe has been extinguished, but the sparks in its wake will forever shine upon us.
Pearline’s family will receive visitors at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, on Friday, Jan. 24, from 5-7 p.m., and at Thompson & Sons Funeral Home, 415 South Popular Street, Florence, Al., on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 5-7 p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. (CST) at Florence Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 408 East Alabama Street, Florence, Al. Interment will follow at Jordan-Bulls Cemetery in Center Star, Al.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pealine’s memory to the Florence Bethel Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 408 East Alabama, Florence, Al. 35630 or the Lupus Foundation of America, Mid-South Chapter, 4004 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 216-B, Nashville, Tn. 37215.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.