Mrs. Margaret Ann Perry

PERRY, Mrs. Margaret Ann - Age 83, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at her residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Chruch, 1035 W. Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Alfred J. Harris Jr., officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Tuesday. Mrs. Perry will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM Monday, with family present to receive friends from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. Margaret Ann Perry was not only a public servant, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose life was defined by dedication to family, faith, and the improvement of her community. Born in Athens, Georgia, she carried the values of responsibility, education, and service throughout her journey, leaving an unforgettable mark on Mt. Morris Township, Genesee County and beyond. A Career Rooted in Service Margaret's professional life reflected her deep commitment to helping others. She dedicated 25 years as a laboratory aide to Hurley Medical Center. Her work in healthcare was more than a job, it was an extension of her belief in caring for those in need. Politics and Advocacy, Her passion for justice and community improvement propelled her into Michigan politics, where she consistently was awarded the top vote getter for Mt. Morris Township Trustee, where she served 16 years, consisting of two elected terms, focusing on infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development. She championed better roads, enhanced police and fire department resources, job creation for young adults, and programs supporting seniors and youth.
Her political career was built on the principle of her re-election slogan and commitment: "Elected By the People, For the People". A philosophy she demonstrated through decades of action.Her leadership extended to key roles in the Democratic Party where she served on the Genesee County Democratic Party Executive Board and as 1st Vice-Chairperson. In 1988, she was selected as a delegate for nominee Michael Dukakis at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, GA. This allowed her to amplify her voice and views on the national stage. She was committed to labor rights, serving as Vice President of AFSCME Retirees Union Region 6 Sub Chapter 138 and sitting on the 25-member AFSCME Council. She fought tirelessly for fair employment practices, retirees' benefits, and workers' dignity, organizing voter registration drives like the "Get out and Vote" campaign as well as advocating for policies that uplifted working families. A Champion for Civil Rights and Community Organizing.Her work with the A. Philip Randolph Institute was also widely celebrated, where she served as Director of Operations and Financial Secretary for the Greater Flint Chapter and Vice President of the Michigan Chapters. Her grassroots organizing brought together teachers, elders, activists, and political leaders, uniting them under a shared vision of justice and equity. She believed in the power of neighborhood engagement actively participating in block clubs and leading beautification projects. Her home was a hub of fellowship whether hosting barbecues or offering counsel to those in need, she embodied the spirit of community. Residing 63 years in the Beecher community, this became the heartbeat of her political journey. She was an advocate for the constituents of Beecher. She formed over 30 block clubs in which she found her joy in organizing neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects. After retiring from the political arena, she continued to serve on the committee of GBBDA (Greater Beecher Business District Association). Being the campaign manager for the late Bryan "BB" Nolden, relit her fire for her desire to get back involved with the people of Genesee County. She was just as happy and excited for being a part of both of his victorious elections for Flint City Council and Genesee County Commissioner, as she was when she was running her own campaigns. Beyond her professional and political achievements, she was the heart of our family instilling in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews the same values of service, resilience, and integrity that defined her life. Thanks to Jolena Sanders and The Mount Morris Township board, her spirit endures in the neighborhoods she built, commemorated by the recently named Margaret A Perry Dr. located in Mt. Morris township. Her impact reached far beyond the city walls and will forever be encompassed in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of service without limits, leadership without ego, and love without conditions. A legacy that will continue to guide and uplift us all for generations to come. Rest in power, Margaret Ann Perry. Well done.
Margaret Ann Perry was born April 24, 1942 in Athens, Georgia, the daughter of Alonzo & Virginia Reid.
Margaret Ann Perry leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Angela Perry; step-children, Charlene Perry and Donald (Pam) Perry Sr., all of Flint, Michigan; grandchildren, Torrie Perry of Van Nuys, CA, Reginald Perry Jr. of Los Angeles, CA, Maurice Perry Jr. of Flint, Shamonica Matthews of Memphis, TN, Charise Perry of Flint, Ciara Beasley of Nashville, TN, Rashaun Mathews of Flint, Antonina (Joseph) Brewer of Howell, MI and Quaron Tylon Chicago, IL; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters, Bobby Pool, Deborah Roberts, and Anita Davis, all of Flint, MI; brother, Alonzo Reid Jr., both of Flint; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; sister-in-law, Barbara Griffin; brothers-in-law, Louis (Deloris) Perry of Flint, and Evander (Pam) Perry; a Host of other relatives and friends including special friends, Helen Dickerson, Cloyce Dickerson, Judith Nolden, Ronald Hamilton and Jolena Sanders Sims; sister in Christ, Mildred Louise Brown. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Perry Jr.; 2 sons, Reginald Perry Sr. & Maurice Perry Sr.; step-daughter, Essie McMillan; father, Alonzo Reid; mother, Virginia Reid; father in-law, Jimmie Perry Sr.; mother-in-law, Loread Perry; brother, Alvin Reid; sister, Brenda Manuel; brothers-in-Law; Douglas, Lonzie & Thetford Perry; sisters-in-laws Waner Leslie & Dora Perry.
The Family would like to express special thanks for all the extra care that was given to help assist my mother, Granddaughter Torrie Perry, Grandson Reginald Perry Jr., Grandson Quaron Tylon, Great-Grandson (MP) Maurice Perry III, Great-Grandson Jacob Powell, Sister Deborah Roberts, nieces, Ronetta Burrney, Tamera Wyatt, April Ervin, Charlotte Brown, Etelka Thomas & Mary Holloway; god-daughter, Kim McSwain; Extended Family, Tinica Bradley & Tiffany Waters; Nurse Sasha & the entire staff of Residential Care.