A native of Louisville (Winston County) Mississippi, Pearlean Yarbrough McReynolds received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Alcorn State University in 1969. She received a Master of Education degree in Home Economics Education in 1978, also from Alcorn State University.
McReynolds’ career spans over 40 years as a home economics teacher at Louisville High School and Vocational Technology Center. She spent three years as a nutritionist for Winston County Head Start and is currently a life skills teacher for Prairie Opportunity, where she instructs adults in sewing and quilt making.
McReynolds volunteers her time to various organizations throughout the community including: Nu Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Union Chapel M. B. Church where she serves as a musician, Sunday school teacher, choir directress and member of the finance committee; Mt. Olive Bethel Harmony District; New Education State Congress where she serves as statistician and historian; and the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative (WCSHC.) She is the founder of the Ebonette Club; a baker for Community Volunteer Dinner; council board member of Mississippi Action for Progress; chairperson of the Winston County Complex Head Start Health Advisory Committee; Vice President of the Winston County Retired Teachers Association, and a former sponsor for the Family, Careers and County Leaders of America, Inc., (FCCLA).
In addition, McReynolds is a strong advocate and supporter of Alcorn State University and a financial supporter of the ASU Foundation and Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. She serves as president of the Alcorn State University Louisville-Winston Alumni Chapter, and is a member of the ASU National Alumni Association as well as a national recruiter for the university.
McReynolds has awards and commendations for her tireless work in professional and community service including: the Vernon Dahmer Award from the Winston County Branch of the NAACP (2012); Winston County Career and Technology Center Teacher of the Year; ASU Hall of Honors inductee (2010); National Frank Dobbins Chapter President of the Year Award (2016) and Alcorn Golden Class (2019).
During her career she carried students to various local, state and national competitions. She credits one of her many accomplishments as teaching her student Dylanda Miller how to sew. Dylanda later designed a dress that was worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama.
She is married to Columbus McReynolds and they have one daughter, Dr. Melanie McReynolds. She resides in Louisville, Mississippi.