Beverly Carol Perry

On July 22nd 2024, Beverly Sawyer Perry passed away peacefully at her home on Maple Grove Church Rd in Dunn, NC. She was surrounded by her family when she took her final breath and made her triumphant entrance into eternity.
Beverly was born in Elizabeth City, NC on October 23,1949 to Herman and Margaret Sawyer, both deceased. She is survived by 3 siblings: Herman "Buddy" Sawyer (married to Alice Sawyer), Kelly Lacy (married to Lisa Lacy), and Susan Sawyer Lord (wife of Mark Lord). She is also survived by her husband of over 56 years, James Lonnie Perry, Jr. ("Jimmy") along with their three children and spouses: James Lonnie Perry III (Tre'), his wife Rita Perry, Jennifer Perry Lowder, her husband John Lowder Jr., Joanna Perry Stegall and her husband Thomas Stegall. She was lovingly known as "Mammy" to her five grandchildren : Sawyer, Samuel, Lily, Margaret, and a great grandson, Jaxon. Her many nieces and nephews called her "Aunt Bev". It was not uncommon to hear her playfully called "Bevo" from time to time.
Most everyone who knew Beverly saw her as a woman of many talents. She enjoyed singing duets in church with Jimmy and she served as a church pianist for most of her adult life. She also possessed a natural gifting in floral arts and ran a successful gift shop for many years, where she combined flowers, balloons, and homemade lollipops into delightful arrangements. Occasionally, Beverly herself would deliver these arrangements dressed in full clown costume to serenade the lucky recipient.
Beverly enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, making recipes passed down to her from her mother, Margaret, and inventing culinary masterpieces of her own. Her creativity knew no boundaries and constantly kept her children and husband guessing the "mysterious" ingredients. One of the hallmarks of Beverly's love for her family was her dedication to keep them well fed.
Her generosity of spirit was constantly demonstrated in her love for her family, her church, her community and animals of every kind. It was not unusual for stray animals to find their way to Beverly, knowing she would provide them with food, shelter, and loving care. In the same way, children of all ages were drawn to her playful nature and gentle spirit. Beverly delighted in volunteering her time in the church nursery or Vacation Bible School. Her favorite song to play and teach children to sing was "Jesus Loves Me." She never hesitated to use her talents and gifts to bless those around her.
A celebration of the exceptional Christian life Beverly led will be held at Maple Grove United Methodist Church at 847 Maple Grove Church Rd, Dunn NC. The family will be receiving visitors to express their condolences from 12:30-1:30 pm. Funeral proceedings will begin at 1:30 pm followed by a brief graveside service.
West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the Beverly Sawyer Perry Family.
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