She is a small and vivacious and caring woman edging into her late twenties, who lives alone at 39 W. 118th Street near Lenox in a small one-bedroom apartment. She is acquainted with Clayton’s former roommates, David and Terry, having cooked dinner for them a few times at their shared apartment and been out with them to see Clay's exhibits and to hear Terry play at clubs. She is a client of Annie May's. Booker has delivered her groceries.

Pearl is a relief nurse at Harlem Hospital, working irregular hours, and also hires out as a private nurse.