Pearly whites for Pearlie through her new set of dentures.

At 75, Pearlie McCrimmon is soft spoken and not-so-good at remembering names. So she tells you upfront that she might call you sweetie, baby or princess during a conversation, and she describes herself as young and strong as a bull.

Pearlie lived in Georgia in the 1960s, but moved with her husband to Pennsylvania where she raised her three children; two daughters and a son. She moved back to Georgia in January 2018 to live with her daughter-in-law in Fairburn. “I have 19 grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren and many of them are here,” Pearlie said.

“My daughter-in-law is really like my child,” she continued. “She knew the two bottom teeth I had left were starting to bother me, and I couldn’t take care of it myself. One day she brought home a flier from one of the senior living homes where she works.”

The flier led them to Mercy Care and the Piedmont Healthcare grant which helps those 65 or older with low incomes get dentures to improve their health and well-being.

“I got my dentures on July 11, and I’m now able to chew my food,” said Pearlie. She also is glad to have them for her family reunion the weekend of Aug. 10 and for the renewed connections to family the event is inspiring.

“Last weekend, I met my mom’s 72-year-old sister, Aunt Mary, and I was amazed at how much we look alike and how much spunk we both have. We enjoy each other’s company,” Pearlie said. “She asked about my teeth and mentioned she also needs dentures. So I called Mercy Care and got her all the information she needed to make an appointment. We will be rooming together at the reunion!”

Pearlie said she found a lot of “happy campers” at Mercy Care. “I found love in the people who have helped me; Mr. Reid, Dr. Butler, Nurse Melissa, and Ms. Tee.”