A Wife. A Mother. A Jewel. A Woman of God. On Thursday, June 22, 2023, our beloved Shirley Jean Perry was called home to be with her Heavenly Father.
On December 03, 1941, God gifted the world a beautiful, kind, generous, and precious gift. Shirley Jean Taybron was born in Nash County, North Carolina, to the late Cornelious “Neil” and Bessie Taybron. Shirley received her education from the Nash County School System, and as a young girl, she found joy in crocheting, dancing, and bike riding. In 1957, Shirley married the love of her life, Thurman Wallace Perry, whom she would affectionately call “Mr. Goodbar.” God blessed Shirley and Thurman from their union with three beautiful daughters: Waltrine, Tiajuana, and LaShon.
In 1959, Shirley was graced with the title of “Navy Wife,” where she had the opportunity to explore the world and call places such as Yokosuka (Japan), California, Philadelphia, Florida, and Virginia home. Shirley was a Military Spouse Support Group member and delightfully mentored youngerNavy wives. She was essential in encouraging them during the difficult times of deployment, loneliness, and adaptation to new environments and cultures. Shirley exuded the traits of a virtuous woman as a devoted caregiver, wife, and mother. Proverbs 31:25-28 reads, “25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Shirley was loved by all and found joy in providing daycare. She embraced many children and families as an extension of her own.
For leisure, Shirley LOVED to shop. Shirley had a natural eye for style, class, and elegance. Others often described her as a fashionista, a trendsetter, and a DIVA. She also took swimming and tennis lessons, attended cake decorating and ceramic classes, and occasionally enjoyed a good game of BINGO in her free time. Additionally, Shirley was an AMAZING cook. She was known for her sweet potato pies, pineapple coconut cake, chicken salad, pot roast, and her Famous Sweet Tea. Most people would say they would have paid for her food; however, out of the hospitality of her heart, she used her culinary talents to entertain and host fellowship gatherings at her home. Her most notable festivity was hosting the “Perry Family’s Annual New Year’s Day Dinner.” You truly had to be there to experience her love and talent at work.
After settling in Virginia, Shirley and Thurman found a church home at Providence United Church of Christ. Shirley was a member of the Mass Choir, Senior Harmonizing Choir, and several other past choirs. Shirley was also given the title and served as the Sunshine Choir “Mother.” Her love for the Lord led her to participate in many church events, programs, and auxiliaries.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Neil and Bessie Taybron; her in-laws, Luther and Vashti Perry; her brothers:Elder Taybron, Dorcie Lee “Bo” Taybron, Jimmy Taybron, and Paul Neal Taybron; her sisters: Mattie Bell Blackwell, Valley Mae Stokes, Irene Perry, and Maybell “Tabby” Taybron. She will be deeply missed by her beloved and devoted husband of 65 years, Thurman W. Perry; her precious sister: Bettie Joyce Hood; three lovely daughters: Waltrine Barks, Tiajuana Perry,and LaShon Perry; grandchildren: James Perry, Denzel Perry, Darious Barks, Bria Perry, and Emmanuel Perry; great-grandchildren: Bryce Perry, Lillian Perry, and Micah Perry. God-sent children: Barbara Twine (Phillip), Donna Thornton(Michael), Jerome Rider (Bridgette); God-sent grandchildren: Keith Tigner, Phillip Twine Jr., Andre Twine, Alexis Thornton Tang- Nian, Alyssa Thornton, Alayna Thornton, and Carwyn Rider; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, church members, and friends.
