Marjorie L. Pearlman

Marjorie Louise Humphrey Pearlman danced her way to Heaven on February 26, 2022 just 2 days shy of her 101st birthday. Marjorie was born February 28, 1921 in Washington, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late John Ennis Humphrey and Helen Irene Wildridge Humphrey. The family later moved to Attica, IN where Marjorie graduated from high school in 1939.

She began dance lessons at the age of ten, which was the onset of her passion that became her profession. Her first dance instructor was Sylvia Pearlman, a former member of the NYC Rockettes. Following her graduation she immediately began her professional dancing career under the name of Marjorie Lane in Chicago, IL. During WWII, she traveled with the USO performing all over the US entertaining the soldiers. In May of 1945 she was touring with the Joe Howard Band, and had her first engagement in Battle Creek, MI at the Bijou Theatre. While in Battle Creek, she reconnected with members of the Pearlman family who also came from Attica, IN. The eldest Pearlman son, Aaron, was immediately captivated by Marjorie's talent and beauty; within three months they were married.

Marjorie and Aaron worked together at their very successful business, The Jewel Box, for over 40 years, until Aaron's death in 1988. Her devotion to family, business, and community were paramount. Marjorie was extremely involved with Altrusa International, and an active member of Temple Beth El. In her later years she enjoyed traveling worldwide with family and friends.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Virginia Humphrey Johnson; her husband, Aaron; her son, Lt. Col. J. Thomas Pearlman; and daughter, Tamara Ruth Pearlman.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Dianne Pearlman Brown (Tom) of Cincinnati, OH, John H. Pearlman of Battle Creek, MI, Patricia Pearlman Steffes (Mike) of Kalamazoo, MI, William G. Pearlman (Brenda) of Battle Creek, MI, and daughter-in-law, Janice Pearlman of San Antonio, TX. Also, surviving are 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A private memorial service was held at Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek.