Shirley Bradshaw Perry

Shirley Perry, 85, of Raleigh, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 1, 2017. She was born in Charlottesville, VA, but raised in the heart of Washington, DC, when her family, which included grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, migrated there because of the Great Depression. This became the foundation of her life where a fierce patriotism and love of country was born. A deep-seated faith in God was nurtured by Metropolitan Baptist Church (presently named Capitol Hill) and the support of a huge family. They made it through difficult times because of their love for the Lord and for each other. Times were hard, but God was great and memories were made.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, of almost 60 years, James N. Perry, and liked to refer to herself as "His Helper." Also preceding her in death were her father, Elmo D. Bradshaw, who prematurely died at age 32, and mother, Evelyn Bradshaw Wright Hill, stepfather Hawes C. Hill, and sister, Wanda Bradshaw Burton.

She is survived by: four children, Carol Perry Dysart (Eddie), Douglas Perry (Fiancé, Tammy Malone & his former wife, Rita Perry Spicer & husband Gary), Rebecca Perry Sink (Robert), Darlene Perry Takacs (Larry), Glenda Wright Geoghegan; cousin who lived with the family for many years; and a brother in law, Frank Perry (Juanita);  she is also survived by: thirteen grandchildren, Amber Perry Ledbetter (Simon), Crystal Dysart West (Jeffrey), Tia Perry Gomez (Daniel), Brett Dysart (Jenna), Heather Perry Kent (Sam), Garrett Dysart (Katherine), Jared Sink (Jessica), Tiffany Dysart Gay (Matthew), Natalie Sink Yerger (David), Scott Takacs, Molly Sink, Alex Takacs, and Maryn Takacs. Lastly, she is survived by nine great grandchildren, Owen & Evelyn West, Elliana & Hunter Gomez, Camryn, Max & Logan Dysart, and Audrey & Adalyn Kent, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley Perry's love for people was only surpassed by her love for God, and her love for her husband Jim. She dearly loved her 4 children, her 13 grandchildren were the light of her life, and later in life her 9 great grandchildren brought her immediate smiles and laughter. We are eternally grateful for the love and support of Bay Leaf Baptist Church. Shirley loved being Jim's helper in his role of being Pastor to the Senior Adults at Bay Leaf. As a couple, many visits were made to homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Participation in Keenagers was always a highlight as well as the Onward Sunday School class.

We are thankful for the daytime care at Ruth Sheets Adult Care, Transitions LifeCare, and lastly, the angels that surrounded her at Elmcroft North Ridge. We want to express our gratitude to the many caregivers who loved and served Shirley. We want to give special thanks to Lois Robson for her integrity, work ethic and dedicated care, and Sue Bathgate for her loving ways.

Shirley was always telling her grandchildren that they were "perfect," knowing that on this earth they were not, but in Jesus they were. She wanted them to know that's how she saw them too. We give God all the glory for Shirley's spiritual influence and steadfast faith as she took hold of every opportunity to tell others about Jesus. She spread his joy to all those she met. We praise God she is now at home in Heaven with him, and are thankful for the memories and love that we will cherish forever.

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma Shirley--now you really are PERFECT! 

A memorial service honoring her life will be held 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon November 12, 2017 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church. Friends may visit with the family immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bay Leaf Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 12200 Bayleaf Baptist Church Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27614.
 

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