Frances Perry

FRANCES HICKMAN PERRY of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by her family, at the age of 96.
She was born on February 12, 1929 in Delbarton, WV to two loving parents, James William Hickman and Effie Connolly Hickman. She graduated high school from Williamson High School as a Westinghouse Scholar, enabling her to attend Marshall University. She was a double major in chemistry and education and was president of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha.
She began her teaching career in the impoverished, coal camp town of Chatteroy, WV, where she became an activist for the poor. She later joined the faculty of Williamson High School as a chemistry teacher, and it was here that she met the love of her life, Simon Perry. They were married in 1956, and Frances taught school as Simon finished his Masters and PhD. He joined the faculty of the University of Michigan where they had their oldest child, David.
Frances longed to return to WV, and when she heard of an opening at Marshall, she encouraged Simon to take it. In Huntington, they welcomed three more children, Paul, Kelly, and Thomas. Frances taught at Cammack Junior High, Lincoln Junior High, and Huntington High School. She served on many local boards and remained a champion for the marginalized until her dying days.
She is survived by her sons David and Thomas (Jennifer Perry), daughter Kelly Vaziri (David Vaziri), granddaughters Kelli Dixon (Shawn Dixon), Elizabeth Vaziri (Jake Van Koevering), Charlotte Vaziri, Madeleine Vaziri van Arkel (Jake van Arkel), Katherine Perry, Anna Perry, Leisl Perry, Elizabeth Perry, and Genevieve Perry and great-granddaughters, Chloe Dixon, Lilly Dixon, and Emily Dixon, and great-grandson James Van Koevering.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and son, Paul Perry.
She is also survived by her niece Frances Lynn Graven (Christopher Graven).
Frances and Simon welcomed an honorary family into their circle two decades ago, Razia Bennoui, and her children Eddie, Elias, Nadia, and Riyad. She loved Paul's wife, Diane Perry, with all her heart. She leaves behind many beloved in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Henson and Kitchen Mortuary and Cremation Services, 1592 E. Pea Ridge Rd., Huntington, WV near Barboursville. A service will be held at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to her cherished alma mater, Marshall University, and The Simon Perry Center for Constitutional Democracy.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonandkitchen.com .