On August 15, 1937, a beautiful baby was born to James and Pearl (Cooper) Pernell. He was given the name Hartley James Pernell and was the second child born to this union.

Hartley attended Stow Creek, Hopewell and Rosenhayn Public Schools. He began working at a very early age and went on to work for Venice Maid for thirty-three years (thirty in supervisory position).

Hartley met Catherine Martin, the love of his life and made her his bride on September 8, 1958. This match in Heaven was blessed with eight beautiful children. There were very few moments when you didn't see "The Pernell's" all together, whether it was church, shopping or special occasions.

In the month of April 1972, Elder Louis Gordon (deceased) preached a sermon at a revival with the subject of "Turn or Burn". That sermon was the conviction that convinced Hartley to give his life to the Lord. He joined Bethel Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Elder Henry Satchell (deceased), then under the leadership of Bishop Ruth E. Satchell (deceased). During his journey as a servant for the Lord, Bro. Pernell served faithfully as a Deacon and later as a Minister at Bethel Pentecostal Church.

In 1982, Minister Pernell was given an assignment to conduct a revival in Springtown, NJ. After that revival, St John Pentecostal Church was established. Minister Pernell was elevated as an Elder and after many years the church relocated to Cedarville, NJ. Elder Pernell always said he was "striving to produce the best product". The members of St. John Pentecostal Church are living proof that he accomplished his goal.

On Monday October 7, 2019, Elder Hartley James Pernell, Sr. peacefully went to his Heavenly Home with his lovely wife by his side.

His legacy will live on by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years Elder Catherine, his children Janet Allen (Leon), Angela, Hartley Jr. (Pamela), Kathy, Tammy Wilson (Samuel), Joseph, Danielle Denby and Michael (Valerie). His siblings: Dorothea Wainwright (Noble) Arlene Holden, Edward Pernell, Lawrence (Louise)Pernell, Geneva Holmes, Pearl Moore (Sander). His in laws: Larry (Carrie) Martin, Jimmy (Helen) Martin, Jerry (Paula) Martin, Gwendolyn Martin-Wiggins, Angela Martin, Mittie Williams, Roger Washington, Edward Wiggins and Tom Bryant. Son in law Bradley Denby, one living aunt Margaret Perry, Twenty-eight grandchildren, eighty-two great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of God children, spiritual brothers and sisters, friends and the beloved members of St John Pentecostal Church.

Elder Pernell was predeceased by his parents James and Pearl (Cooper) Pernell, paternal grandparents Clarence and Lillian Pernell, maternal grandparents Charles and Ida Cooper, father and mother in law K.C. and Lillian Martin, sisters Beatrice and Connie Lewis and Ida Washington, brothers Vernon, Lewis and Ronald Pernell, sister in law Dorothy Bryant, brother in laws James and Casey Martin, Calvin Holmes and Elder Harmon Holden, three grandchildren Mark, Hartley, Marcus, and one great granddaughter Jahzell.