Essie Perry passes away

Posted February 9, 2010 at 4:51 pm and filed under Community, Headlines.

Staff reports

Garner has lost perhaps its most heralded centenarian. Essie Perry passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the age of 106.

Essie Perry

Essie Perry

A longtime Garner resident, Perry was a retired schoolteacher who taught for 40 years in North Carolina, including 10 years in Garner. After her retirement, she volunteered at Garner schools and with Smart Start. In 1987, she was awarded Wake County Volunteer of the Year and in 1997 the James R. Stevens Service to Garner award.

An active member of the community, Perry participated in a variety of civic groups, including Garner Woman’s Club, Lions Club and Clara Craven Book Club. She was an extensive traveler who had visited the Holy Land, England, Scotland, Wales and South America.

Mayor Ronnie Williams was saddened by the news and said that Perry, known by many in the community, was someone to admire.

“She was a personal inspiration for me and role model to a lot of people in the community.”

The town recognized Perry each year on her birthday, Sept. 16, by issuing a formal proclamation. Williams said he often asked Perry the secret to her good health.

“She would tell me, ‘Everything in moderation.’”

Perry’s last birthday was celebrated at Lawndale Manor Rest Home in the company of more than 40 family members, friends and town leaders.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Garner. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner.

Read Essie Perry’s obituary

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