Pervy V Broady

Pervy Victoria Lewis Broady was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, in 1946 to her parents Annie Lee Lewis and Rudolph Andrew Lewis. Pervy attended Union Kempsville High School and then went on to graduate from Norfolk State University with a BA in Education. Pervy moved to Gaithersburg, MD, where she lived for over 40 years and worked for Lockheed Martin as a program manager until her retirement in 2016. Pervy grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She always called New St. John, Norfolk her home church. It was the church where she grew to love the Lord and learn how to serve him: Sunday school, vacation Bible school, choir, youth church, and of course, ushering. About thirty-four years ago, as a charter member, she helped opened the doors to First A.M.E. Church of Gaithersburg. Over a span of 20 years, Pervy served as vice­ chair to the Steward Board under all four ministers who have been assigned to pastor First AME. She became the 'unofficial' archivist for the church as she kept every program and photos of every special church worship and fellowship activities. Pervy loved every element of worship but ushering, church school, and the Lay Organization were among the top three. She believed in serving the Lord; knowing and believing His Word; and learning the history, beliefs, teachings, and practices of the AME church. As an usher at First AME, Pervy served as president of the senior board for over 20 years. Ushering truly became a ministry, as her example and enthusiasm drew others to serve as doorkeepers. The ministry grew to include four boards- senior, junior, youth, and Sons of Allen. Several years ago, the Washington Annual Conference Ushering Ministry, which brings many of the Conference's usher boards together (80+ churches) to serve as one unit, began with Pervy's vision and detailed planning. As part of the missionary society, she worked tirelessly in the church, in the Washington Grove community, and the community at-large to feed the hungry (Thanksgiving baskets, food pantry), clothe the naked (coat and clothing drives), and placed those who may have felt unwelcomed at ease as she greeted them with her beautiful smile. Pervy enthusiastically participated in conferences, meetings, and training sessions throughout the Connectional AME. For many years, she served as the church delegate to the Washington Annual Conference. She also served as Chair of the Public Relations Committee for the Washington Conference Lay Organization. Pervy Broady also had a heart for young people. She continuously encouraged them to excel academically and advocated for them to be part of the worship experience. Her love for them extended beyond the church as she partnered with a group of other Christians to establish Unity Christian Fellowship, a premiere youth development organization in Montgomery County. Serving as a board member, her enthusiasm for the organization's work prompted her sons to also volunteer their time as mentors. Family times were most important to Pervy. She traveled to Norfolk on many occasions during the year to spend time with her mother, siblings, nieces, and nephews. And as her Gaithersburg family grew, she cherished the family gatherings for birthdays and holidays even more. She insured that nothing interfered with the Lewis, Haynes, Broady family time. Above all, Pervy loved her Lord and Savior. She often stated her testimony as, "He has me here, and He will have me there. Pervy is survived by her sons, John Haynes Ill (Gwen) and Garrett Broady (Leigh); grandchildren Miles, Emery, and Kai; as well as stepchildren Michelle Broady-Nicholas (Kirk) and Marlon (Kisha) Broady. She is also survived by her mother, Annie Lewis; three sisters, Marilyn Riddick, Sandra White and Beverly Allbritton, all of Norfolk, VA and brother, Rudolph A Lewis, Jr. of Suffolk, VA. She is predeceased by her father, Rudolph A. Lewis, Sr. Pervy will be missed by her loving family, caring neighbors, many incredible friends, and her beloved First A.M.E. Church of Gaithersburg family. Perry A woman to look, up to, aspire to, and leam from. A woman of strength, courage, beauty, and wisdom. A woman who believed, supported, and love with all her heart. You 'were' an inspiration. [Words from the 2018 Mother's Day card from Kirk, Michele, Brandon, and Jordan] I