PK Kalevas

On June 2, Mrs Pearl (“PK”) Kalevas passed away at home, at age 98, surrounded by her family.

Pearl Kinsman Galloway was born on January 2. 1928 in Hamlet, NC. After graduating from Hamlet High School, she was selected to attend American Airlines’ Stewardess Training School where she received her official wings and began her career there.

In 1948, she married Harry John Kalevas while he was completing his medical training. They then moved to Baltimore for his residency and gave birth to their first daughter, Donna. After completing residency, they moved to Charlotte, NC, where he set up his medical practice. In the following years, Helen, Brenda & Harriett were joyful additions to the family. Sadly, in 1968, Dr Harry Kalevas passed away. At that time, the family moved to nearby Brookridge Lane where PK was a wonderful friend to and ambassador for the neighborhood.

In her career, PK worked for the Doctors and Merchants Credit Exchange, the Tweed Shop and for the Business Licensing Division of the Mecklenburg County Tax Office where she retired. She was then invited to work for SCORE (a mentoring organization of retired business executives.)

PK was an avid football fan. She was the first female to join the Charlotte Touchdown Club. But she had the greatest pride and excitement in watching and cheering for her son-in-law who played for the Buffalo Bills and her grandsons who played football all the way through college.

PK attended Avondale Presbyterian Church for many decades and took her daughters there as children. She loved people and was loved and admired by friends of all ages. She was a true “southern hostess” in every way. Her contagious laugh and sparkling blue eyes will be missed by all who knew her.

PK was preceded in death by her husband and her sisters Francis and Mary Lee. She is survived by her daughters Donna Littlejohn and Brenda Wren of Charlotte, NC, Helen Kalevas and Todd Dickinson of Hillsboro, NC and Harriett and Jim Ritcher of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren: John & Ashley, Harrison and Hayley and Nick and Martha and great grandchildren: James, Sophia, Jack, Riley, Samuel, Betsy Pearl and Virginia Lee, all of whom brought her great joy. Other surviving special family members are: Jo and Chuck French; George, Paula and Tommy Chaltas and Thomas Kikis.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to PK’s primary care giver Ava Harris and to caregivers April Williams, Consuela Whiskey, Michelle Shortridge and VIA Health Partners (Hospice). Their wonderful skills, kindness and love made it possible for her to remain at home until the Lord took her to Heaven

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. with a service to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026 in the chapel of Tribute and Tallent Funeral Service, 1937 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28205.

In Lieu of Flowers Memorial Contributions for Pearl "PK" Kalevas May be made to:

Avondale Presbyterian Church avondalepresby.org

VIA Health Partners (Hospice) www.viagiving.org

Or to any Charity or Organization Of the Donor's Choice.