QUINTELER PERRY

On Feb. 13, 2014, at the Waverly Health and Rehabilitation Center, God called to eternal rest Quinteler Perry, age 99. She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James Perry; her sisters, Ella Mae Blake and Janet Smith; nephew, Richard Boykins; and niece, Mary Charles Johnson.

Quinteler Bessie Boykins was born on Nov. 24, 1914, in Wakefield, Va., to the late Charlie and Julia Boykins. She was educated in the Sussex County Public Schools. She was baptized at the age of 12 and joined the First Baptist Church of Wakefield. She became a member of the choir at the age of 18 and sang until she was 80 years old, which was when her hearing started failing. She played the piano for the Sunday school and was the church secretary for over 50 years. She also taught Sunday School, Class No. 3, for over 70 years. She was also one of the founders for the ever-popular Vacation Bible School. She was a member of the Missionary Society, the mother of the church and the oldest member of the church. Quinteler was a member of the Senior Citizens of Eastern Sussex County and a lifetime member of the NAACP.

In her early life, she was employed as a domestic worker. She took pride in her work and her employers took pride in her. It was not unusual to see her walking to work. She was an avid walker before "walking" became a form of exercise. One of her favorite sayings was "Sure God Is."

To her nieces and nephews she was known as "Aunt Quin," to her cousins "Cousin Quin" and to her many friends "Quin" or "Ms. Quin." It was truly a treat to receive a bag of candy, a card or some other token of her love, caring and sharing. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. While at the nursing home she enjoyed attending the worship services, and playing and winning prizes during bingo.

She is survived by one stepson, Napoleon Walker (Annie) of Franklinton, N.C.; two nieces, Clara and Hazel Gay of Wakefield, Va.; two nephews, Raymond and Frank (Betty) Boykins of Washington, D.C.; one great-nephew, Andre (Margo); five great-nieces, Wanda and Julia Johnson, Cheryl, Tracy (Charles), Deirdre (Gerald); several remarkable great-great-nieces and nephews; several delightful great-great-great-nieces and nephews; a special cousin, Linwood Crocker (Orris); and a host of caring relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Deaconess Perry will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at First Baptist Church, Wakefield, Va.; the Rev. Jerry Parham, pastor, and the Rev. Bobby Ricks officiating. Interment will follow at Booker T. Memorial Cemetery, Wakefield, Va.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the Peace-Bland Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Ave., Waverly, Va.; James I Gay, funeral director. Visit us online, www.peaceblandfuneralhome.com.