Mother Ruby Perry

Ruby Perry, 101, of Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Stonewall Perry, Sr., who passed at 46. Her and her late husband were very proud of having raised their 15 children together.

Born on March 14, 1924, in Dawson, Georgia, Ruby moved to Connecticut in 1945, making her home first on Wooster Street in Hartford and later in Charter Oak Terrace. There, she built a strong foundation rooted in faith, family, and love-values that shaped every part of her life.

Ruby was known not only for her deep devotion to her family, but also for her extraordinary and exemplary service to the community. She worked for 20 years at Alexander Manor.

So many people remember the "Perry Bus" that was purchased to service those in the neighborhood that didn't have transportation to the larger grocery stores when they needed a loaf of bread, milk, eggs, candy, cereal, and etc. Her generosity and care touched so many lives beyond her own household and her 15 children. She devoted her life to caring and looking out for others.

A woman of deep faith, Ruby was a longtime member of Mt. Olive Church Ministries. She didn't simply talk the talk, she walked the walk. She faithfully served on the Ladies Usher Board from the beginning, for over 60 years under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Richards A. Battles Jr., Rev. William Nickerson, Rev. Dr. James L. Finner, Sr., Rev. Dion Watkins, and Rev. Dr. Victor Thomas. In 2021, she was honored as "Mother of the Church," a testament to her spiritual commitment and leadership.

Ruby Perry was a woman of strength, grace, and dignity. She carried herself like the queen she was. Her legacy lives on not only through her accomplishments, but through the many lives she touched with kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her life was truly a testimony of God's grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Lindy; her husband, Stonewall Sr.; her sons, Stonewall Jr., Henry Jerome, and Carlton Lee Perry; and her daughter, Pamela Perry.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Doris (Eddie), Ann (Steven), Caroline, Evelyn (Gerry), Jacqueline "Perry" Smiley, Cynthia (David), Brenda, Valerie, and Lisa (Duane); and her sons, Melvin and Alan Perry.

She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her goddaughter.

Ruby also leaves behind a special host of friends Leola Miles (bonus daughter), Gracie Lewis, Eva Lawson, Joan Alan, and many more.