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Kathleen S. Perry


Sunrise: March 18, 1932

Sunset: March 20, 2021

 Kathleen S. Perry

Kathleen Saunders Perry was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on March 18, 1932 to the late Elizabeth Saunders. She transitioned from mortal to immortality on Saturday night March 20, 2021 surrounded by her daughters. It was a beautiful sight, to see her rise from labor to reward.

Kathleen, grew up in Robinsonville, North carolina and graduated from high school in Rocky Mount. Kathleen worked for many years at Meadows Private School in Norfolk as the cook and housekeeper. The staff and children loved her. She was known for her kind heart and good cooking. Kathleen married and had a total of nine children. They were all spoiled because she taught them that you can get anything you want in life, if you are willing to work hard for it. She also taught them to be good people, to share their blessing with others and to love the Lord, which she did by example. She was always there for her children in health and illness. When each of her children had medical needs or assistance recuperating after surgery, she would pack her bag and move in with them showing tender loving care and affection while nursing them back to health. Thus she was nicknamed “Nurse Betty.”

Kathleen was a woman of strong faith. She’d lean on God to help her raise her 9 children. She would often pray over them asking God to guide and protect them. Though there were times her family did not have much, she would share what she had with others.

Kathleen was a member of the United House of Prayer for All People for over 60 years. Soon after attending with her husband she joined and it was apparent that she was talented, creative and a very good speaker. She began to MC for large programs and gatherings. She was then known as Sister Perry, and sang on various groups and choirs. One was an acapella group that travelled as far west as Los Angeles, California, as far south as Miami, Florida and as far north as Buffalo, New York.  What beautiful melodies they sang on the musical programs. She also worked as youth president and worked diligently to inspire and motivate them. She would decorate for holidays and work to help create various plays and pageants for the young people. She worked hard for the upkeep of the faith. Kathleen Perry was very spiritual and believed in the power of the Holy Ghost and the teaching of House of Prayer leaders.  She was then known as St. Kathleen Perry. She would sacrifice often, the little that she had because she knew that God would Bless her twofold.

For almost 30 years she lived in Stonebridge Manor apartments where she was very active. Often cooking weekly breakfast for the residents, and helping to plan and prepare special dinners for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. She and others would also seasonally decorate the community center for all to enjoy.

Kathleen will be truly missed will be vast. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Saunders, her sister Mary Taylor and a son Ronnie Saunders. She leaves to cherish precious memories of her time with us, four sons, Leonard Perry, of Chesapeake; Julius Perry Jr. (Robin) of Jacksonville, Fl. Walter Perry of Lancaster, Pa. and Marvin Perry of Norfolk. Four daughters, Vernetta Howell, Judith Yates (Joseph), Missionary Camellia Tomlin, and Ramona Boyd all of Norfolk. One cousin Irma McPherson (John),  14 grandchildren, 17 great grand children and 5 great great-grand children, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends.

Viewing Friday, April 2, 2021 4:00pm United House of Prayer 1206 Church Street Norfolk, VA 23504 Time of Reflection Friday, April 2, 2021 5:00pm United House of Prayer 1206 Church Street Norfolk, VA 23504 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, April 3, 2021 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery 8100 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(21)

  1. reply
    MARETTA M THOMPSON says

    We are truly sorry for your loss. We would like to offer the family our deepest and most sincere condolences. May your mother rest in peace. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
    Sandy(Kopack) and Maretta Thompson

    • reply
      Vee Howell says

      To all my siblings, how Blessed we are to have had such a wonderful, loving, resourceful, caring, beautiful Mother. I am sorry for the pain we all feel, but I am so glad that we gave each other. R.I.H. mom

  2. reply
    Jeanette T Robinson says

    Kathleen Perry will surely be missed here at Stonebridge Manor and by me! She was known for her excellent cuisine, by way of Dinners, Brunches, Breakfast meals, Cakes, and Pies! Nobody could do it like Ms. Perry! She was festive, friendly, and cooked with love! I’ll also miss her comical alias, “Fe Fe,” who was always the belle of any ball! I’ll miss those warm smiles, her swift steps, and her conversations about the goodness of the Lord! May God grant you peace, consolation, and strength! May fond memories bring comfort to your hearts! I extend to you my deepest and sincerest sympathy! May God bless and keep you in HIS care! You’re in my prayers!

    • reply
      Lashawn Hutto says

      My condolences to family. Mrs.Perry and her family was so sweet to me while I was attending Norfolk State. Im praying that God may comfort the family during the difficult times.

  3. reply
    Dana says

    Dear Family, We’re praying for you in your time of sadness.As your Mother is folded into the Lord’s warm embrace,May you feel her Love shining down on you always.Please accept our deepest and most Sincere Condolences. Rest in Heaven.Mrs.Kathleen. Dana and Family

  4. reply
    edith bradshaw says

    when i think of mrs perry ,i think of my mom sydonia kathleen stephenson,,both kathleens are the worlds most loving warm giving mothers who have always been there for their children who were their complete being.vernetta and siblings we were truly blessed,lot of people have never felt such complete love of a mother.one more thing;no one can touch the memories you were allotted to share with her ever.continue to hold them close in your heart.in essence both of our moms and all other moms or parent were a loan to us from god.priceless my dear. love all of you .i will always remember that oh so beautiful smile of mrs ,edith bradshaw

  5. reply
    Joyce r .sivells says

    To the Perry family ,sorry for the lost of your dear mother. May the most high God continue to give each of you the strength you all need doing this sad time. Mother Perry’s strength lies in each of you so do what is needed of you. When you’re walking down the street and you feel a gentle breeze or the wind upon your face ,that’s mother Perry given you a great big hug or just a soft embrace. The Sivells Family.

  6. reply
    Gardenia Brooks says

    I am so sorry for your lost..She will be greatly missed..She was one of the greatest Mistress of ceremonia for the state of Virginia as she inspired me to become a MC. I extend my prayers to the family

  7. reply
    Lisa Moore (Lois Moore’s daughter) across the hall says

    Oh My Goodness!! I am utterly shocked to have stumbled upon this. My most sincere condolences are extending to her daughters and entire family. Ms. Perry was my mother’s lifelong neighbor. Ms. Perry was good at everything she did! She was the best cook and baker, ever! There will never be another. She was extra classy. Everything she did was full of finesse. Rest well. Ms Perry! Tell my mother and brothers, hello for me. I don’t want to say, goodbye. See you in The Morning! During Passover and Resurrection, oh how befitting!

  8. reply
    Windell Loiseau says

    To the family.
    Saint perry was a very beautiful woman I really enjoyed hearing words of encouragement from her. She always made my day.
    Sorry for your lost from brother Windell loiseau and sister Deborah Loiseau.

  9. reply
    Millie Medina says

    I was blessed to have gotten the opportunity to know such a beautiful soul. (She even made me a cake once ♥️) .
    To my dear friend Ramona, her siblings and the rest if the family, i would like to say that I’m so deeply sorry for there loss. 😔😔

  10. reply
    St. Barbara Britt Hinton & Family says

    To the Perry family, my family and I send our heartfelt and sincere sympathy in the passing of my past president of the Young Adult Usher – Norfolk #1. St. Kathleen Perry, she was there for me even when I got burned out not long ago. Family be strong in the Lord.

  11. reply
    Sis. Dorothy Askew Etheridge & Family says

    To the Perry family, “Be not dismayed for God will take care of you!”

  12. reply
    St. Ella Mae Mercer & Bro. Michael Gates says

    To the Perry family, We send our heartfelt condolences during and after your bereavement hours. ” Be strong in the Lord “!

  13. reply
    Chavelia Tate says

    To The Perry Family,
    Lean on Daddy’s everlasting strong arm. I pray God grants you the strength and comfort needed during this very difficult time. That bright smile will me missed.
    Lovingly
    Chavelia Carter-Tate
    Charlotte, NC

  14. reply
    Alphonso E. Swift , Sr. says

    The Swift Family would like to extend our condolences and prayers to the Perry Family in their time of loss .

  15. reply
    Elaine Fennell says

    Vernetta & Family:

    I was so sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. May it comfort you, your siblings, and the family to know that she is in “GOD’s
    care and continuing the work in the Kingdom.

  16. reply
    Evonna Clark says

    To my family and loved ones. Although I could not make it in person. I am with you all in spirit. My heart goes out to my family for the passing on of my grandmother. I cannot call this a loss because we gained so much from her presence and I know that she has gone on to a better place. My grandmother was an angel full of light and that light lives on in her children and grandchildren. I will always love you grandmother and hold dear the memories of your laughter, your strength, perseverance, and delicious cooking. Rest well in heaven <3

  17. reply
    Lazette Hinton Clanton says

    To Ramona and Family,
    My girls and I send you all strength and grace while you are enduring this time… but always know your mother touched so many lives along the way as she did yours and those footprints will always be there Please take care of one another.

  18. reply
    Chrystall Elliott says

    A wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady! You all have a lifetime of memories to carry you through the rest of your days on earth. She will certainly be missed!

  19. reply
    LaVerne Grier-Jones says

    I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. When I met her she was a Sweet person with a Beautiful smile. My Prayers are with you, the Family.

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