Pearl Carlile

Pearl Pauline Overby Carlile (born April 4, 1926 - died September 11, 2007 in Columbiana) was a long-time co-owner and operator of Carlile's Barbecue, with her husband Warren.

She met Warren at a Birmingham farmers' market where their parents each sold vegetables. The couple eloped and opened the barbecue restaurant in 1945. They had seven children, Richard, Joe, Jimmy, Bobby, Freida, Ruby and Gertrude, all of whom worked in the restaurant. After Warren suffered a third heart attack, they sold the business in 1974.

After Warren's death in 1983, Pearl moved to Scottsboro in Jackson County, helping her son Richard operate his Carlile's Restaurant there. She also spent time helping the needy through the Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound. She often scoured yard sales for items needed by the people she helped.

Carlile was badly injured in an automobile accident in 2003. She spent weeks in intensive care before she was released. She continued to help people until her death in September 2007. She was survived by her seven children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She is interred at Forest Hill Cemetery.

References

• Walton, Val (November 18, 2007) "Pearl Overby Carlile ran popular Birmingham barbecue restaurant Carlile's with husband." Birmingham News.
• Pearl Overby Carlile obituary (September 13, 2007) Birmingham News.