Irene Perry Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Bristol Herald Courier.
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Robin Croft
May 31, 2015
My belated condolences to the Perry family. I was telling a story to my daughter about how one of my favorite summer jobs was working for Mr. Perry's construction company the summer of 1979. Then out of curiosity, I googled her name and found this site. That summer we were a six man crew. Herb Berry on Link-Belt crane, Jimmy Proffitt leading us all, myself and three laborers as Jimmy's helpers. We had the task of building a 100ft. long rock and mortar retaining wall that was to be backfilled for a highway. It was so long ago that I forget where, but would love to go see it someday. Jimmy called me Gizmo probably in part due to my name--Robin-- and in part because he took a dim view of artists. The whole reason I was there was because Irene was a classmate at VCU. We had a painting class together if I remember correctly, and I told her I needed a summer job, not knowing her husband owned a construction company. I'd had construction jobs before, so she probably talked her husband into giving me a shot. Anyway, that fine experience was entirely due to her generosity and sweet nature.
Joan Wallace
October 19, 2010
Brenda, Lana, Kim and the rest of your family, I am so sorry to hear of Irene's passing. I know she will greatly missed. She was a beautiful woman in every way. I have several paintings that she gave me when Zona and I would visit and I will cherish them always. May all your wonderful memories comfort you at this time. My thoughts and love are with you all. Joan Wallace (daughter of Newell Wallace)
David & Pat Jessee
October 19, 2010
May God comfort you during this time. We had certainly missed seeing Irene and her family at the most recent Jessee reunions. She was a lovely and talented lady and it was a pleasure to have known her.
Linda McCullough
October 17, 2010
May hope and peace be with the family in this time of sorrow.
Henrico Retired School Personnel Association
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Ron and Sandy Smallwood
October 14, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May you find comfort in knowing that Irene is with the Lord she loved and celebrating reunion with family and friends.
DeVee Tiller
October 14, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Irene. I know first hand what a truly wonderful person she was. I know she has touched so many lives with her paintings and teachings. I know she will be a wonderful addition to our Father's Holy Kingdom and will paint beautifully in God's coloring book. God blees the entire family.
I am the niece of Dewey and Janice Tiller.
October 13, 2010
To the family of Irene Jessee Perry .My deepest sympathy to all of you--you were blessed to have her that many years and as your Mother. She was so talented in so many ways, especially her artwork and such a gracious, loving person. Many will miss her including me. GOD's Blessing to you on this day.
Jane Allee--Cedar Falls, IA.
Debbie Allee-Ziemer
October 13, 2010
Cindy/Tim Perry & Family,
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this trying time. Keep Irene's memories near your heart for comfort.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"
~Christ on the Mount
Pastor Phillip Cook
October 13, 2010
Family You remain in our prayers,What a beautiful gift indeed Irene was a gift from God, We will never know this side of Heaven all the lives Irene and Joe have touched.Now together with the one they love most Jesus Christ they hear the wonderful words Well done thy good and faithful servant. Thank God they had a Vision and it will always remain alive at Ivy Spring Baptist Church nestled in the mountains they called home. Praise God ,what a friend we have in Jesus its not good bye its just until we meet again.
Pastor Phillip and Barbara Cook
October 13, 2010
Brenda
My mom,Faye Hill and I want to offer our condolences to you and your family. Mom loved taking art classes with Irene over the years and mom said she was a very special person.
I worked with you at Reynolds Metals and I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Rolando
Regina Tiller
October 13, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
October 13, 2010
She will surely be missed at our National Jessee reunions we've had for several years. Was saddened to see she had passed away. Fay Jessee Lebanon, Va.
(Great Grand Dau. of Stanford Lee Jesse)
Jeramy Sibley
October 13, 2010
Perry Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers throughout this time.
Claire and Jon Brant
October 13, 2010
Brenda, Lori and family, what a wonderful legacy this woman left in this world. As if the memories aren't enough, her wonderful art that surrounds "us" is the perfect way to start and end each day. We are thinking about you with sympathy for your loss and celebration of a wonderful life, Jon and Claire Brant
Faye and Robert Mickens
October 13, 2010
Kim and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you all with the strength and will to go on.
October 13, 2010
A great and loving woman passed our way. She did not pass away. She was a great friend, teacher,mother, and grandmother. She lives in my memories of what she did for me over 50 years ago and recently. I have her mural,memories, love, kindness, etched on my own canvas. My mother and I loved her,Joe and the family. Her oils will never dry. Love, Frank and Beverly Horton
Dianne Clark
October 12, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers. The world has lost a wonderful example of a Godly life lived to the fullest.
October 12, 2010
Dear Brenda, Lana, and Kim,
We are thinking of each of you and keeping you in our prayers.
The video brought back fond memories.
Your Mother holds a special place in our hearts.
She was a true disciple of Christ.
We loved her and love each of you.
Jim and Sue Dawkins
Pam Hammonds
October 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 12, 2010
Carl and Brenda,
We were both saddened to hear of Irene's passing. She was such an inspiration to us as fellow artists, and we were proud to be related. We know she will be greatly missed. Allen and Vicki Jessee (Richmond, VA)
October 12, 2010
To Kim & Family,
I had the privilege of being in Mrs. Perry's presence a few times and she was a wonderful person and I will certainly miss her homemade soup, it was one of kind just like her. They say that time heals all hurts, but I believe that God is the only one who can take the pain away. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God bless you all.
Jacquelyn Hill
Yvon and Charles Jackson
October 12, 2010
Our sympathies go out to all of the family. I am really glad I knew her and have so many memories.
stephanie mincy
October 12, 2010
well done good and faithful servant irene may your art shines on heaven walls
Jim, Judy, Katheleen and Amanda Walters
October 12, 2010
Our prayers are with you all at this sad time. Let God provide you with peace, love, and strength at this time of sorrow.
Kathleeen Martin
October 12, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Milton and Lawanda Burch
October 12, 2010
Our prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow. My God provide you with peace and strength in this time of homegoing.
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