Margaret Kay Perry

Margaret Kay Perry 68, of Hartly DE, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon March 21, 2023, following a brief but heroic struggle with gastric cancer, surrounded by family. She was born March 14, 1955, in the small coal-mining town of Lynch in Harlan County KY to parents Jack Hartsock and Jewel Ray Hartsock. She spent the first part of her life in Dione KY before moving North with her family, first to Baltimore MD and then on to Delaware, where she eventually settled in Hartly. She graduated from Christiana High School in 1973 and went on to embark on a fulfilling career at DuPont and to raise her two loving daughters, Kristina and Megan, with her first husband.
In 1994, a chance meeting at church introduced her to James Perry and it was love at first sight. The two of them joined their lives together in marriage just 6 months later, adding Shane and Mike to the family as well. When Kay's first grandbaby was born, she found her true calling, and being a Grandmother became her pride and joy. She and Jim spent many of their days taking the kids fishing, playing games and going to church. They would also attend car shows and motorcycle rallies, host family game nights and holiday gatherings, and bargain hunt at yard sales, auctions and Goodwill. Kay's other hobbies included sipping coffee on the front porch swing of their log cabin, feeding the hummingbirds, collecting windchimes, stockpiling primitives and antiques, happily clipping coupons that may or may not get used, and worrying about her loved ones.
Above all else, though, Kay loved serving the Lord and she could be found any given Sunday taking her grandkids to Full Gospel Church, where she was a faithful member for over 40 years. Kay's church family was precious to her, as was her beloved sister Ann, and they all supported her in love, friendship, prayer, and community during this arduous journey.
Kay was greeted in Glory by her parents, her brother Glen Hartsock, her grandchildren Brandon Shamblin and Emily Green, her furbaby Turbo and a multitude of other loved ones waiting for her with open arms.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 28 years, James Perry; Sister Patricia "Ann" Smith; Sister-in-law Sharon Hartsock; Children Kristina (Shannon) Shamblin, Megan (Lance) Green, Shane (Carrie) Perry, John "Mike" Hollyday; Grandchildren Ryan (Christina) Annand, Jacob Annand, Alyssa LaVey, Sebastian Hollyday, Dylan Perry, Allie Moore, Shawn Shamblin, Olivia Green, Jackson Moore, Finnigan Green; Great-Grandchildren Hanna (Cory) Harsh, Natalie Wilson, Mason LaVey; Great-Great-Grandson Cory Harsh, Jr.; Sister-of-the-heart Jody, and a host of other heartbroken family, church family, and friends.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 12 PM to 1 PM at Full Gospel Church, located at 1119 Clayton Delaney Road in Clayton, Delaware. Funeral services will begin at 1 PM. Burial will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 1 PM in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware.
Kay was known for her love of life, laughter, family and God. She authored many unpublished poems which are cherished by her loved ones. Kay was thoughtful, compassionate, selfless and kind. Her family fondly remembers the myriad of juggled calls as she was sought after for her wisdom, advice and companionship. She brought joy into the lives of everyone who loved her, and we miss her desperately.