Holly Amanda Perry

On the morning of September 2, 2022, God welcomed his Warrior, Holly Amanda Perry home. Holly was born on March 21, 1979, in Providence, RI. She was the daughter of Edward Dowdy and Doreen Perry.
Holly graduated from Woonsocket Sr. High School in 1997. Following High School, she went on to study cosmetology at the Arthur Angelo's School of Cosmetology. She had a love for people and her community, and after working many years in the community, she returned to school to pursue a career as a Social Worker. Holly attended Rhode Island College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2009. She proceeded to further her education and in 2011 she graduated from Rhode Island College School of Social Work earning a master's degree. After graduate school, Holly started her career as a licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Holly, through the encouragement of her grandmother, attended the St. James Baptist Church, where at the age of 12 she gave her life to the Lord and was baptized. Holly remained an active member of St. James, where she served in many capacities. She enjoyed working with the youth of St. James, introducing many to the art of poetry and spoken word.
Holly began writing at a very young age, and her love of reading and reciting her own poetry became a therapeutic intervention to heal wounds during troubling times. Her poetry became an outlet to feelings she felt she couldn't outwardly share. Holly credited The Black Rep for introducing her to spoken word and Music One for encouraging her to explore her own craft.
Over the years, Holly documented her journey; in 2019 she published her work in a book titled "My Battle Cry: More Than a Conqueror", which she dedicated to her son Aaron Tyeah. Holly was more than a conqueror! Romans chapter 8 reads: No, in all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Holly is survived by her son Aaron Tyeah Perry-Williams, her Mother Doreen Perry, her Father Edward Dowdy, Stepmother Sheila Dowdy all of Woonsocket, RI and her Godmother Lisa Carter of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by her two brothers, Donnell Perry and Sadikh Perry both of Woonsocket, RI as well as her stepsiblings Kimberly St. Cyr of Bridgeport CT, Melissa Abney of Woonsocket, RI and Jay Abney also of Woonsocket, RI. Holly leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends far too numerous to mention, as she made everyone around her feel special. Holly was preceded in death by her Grandparents John Dowdy Sr., Ethel Dowdy, Mary E. Perry and her Godfather Harry Nelson.
Her funeral will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 10 AM in St. James Baptist Church, 340 South Main St., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, North Smithfield. Calling hours are Friday, September 9, 2022 from 5-8 PM, in St. James Baptist Church, 340 South Main St., Woonsocket. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket.
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