Joyce Alexander Perry

Joyce Alexander Perry

Our beloved grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, wife and friend, Joyce Alexander Perry, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Monday, October 11, 2010, at the young age of 87.

Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, on May 30, 1924, Joyce was the youngest of 14 girls and grew up to be the loving wife of the late William R.; Perry and dedicated mother to Linda Perry Tebault and LIbby Perry Sykes. Throughout her years, she lived in Waynesboro, Virginia, Greensboro, North Carolina, and for the last 13 years, Richmond, Virginia. For 20 years she served the Waynesboro Public School system as secretary to the superintendent and later worked for ITT in Charlottesville and Virginia Beach Federal Credit Union. Upon moving to Richmond, Joyce became the oldest employee of Pink in Carytown, assisting the owners as an administrative assistant. Always the social butterfly, she seldom showed up to an engagement without her famous cheeseball in tow or in costume, depending on the holiday. Joyce's love of life could clearly be seen by the sparkle in her eyes, her magnetic smile, her singing, the spring in her dancing feet and her unyielding will to give to numerous charitable causes. She was always bringing people together, whether for family reunions, cookouts, singalongs or any other event she could coordinate.

Most of all Joyce looked for countless ways to bring joy and laughter and meaning to the lives of those she loved.

Joyce is survived by her two sisters, Grace Alexander Poston of Tulsa Oklahoma and Julia Cornelius of Vero Beach, Florida, her two daughters, Linda Perry Tebault and Libby Perry Sykes of Richmond, Virginia; her three grandchildren, Danielle and Alex Tebault and Jaime Ridolphi of Richmond, Virginia, and countless wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the SPCA (for her love of animals), the American Heart Association or a charitable organization of your own choosing.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Westport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Forest Avenue for taking such impeccable care of Joyce until her very last days. Their care and compassion made even the most difficult of times seem easier.

A private ceremony will be held for family and friends in November. The date has not yet been determined.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.