Biography

Perlia Mae "Mama" Perry, 76, of Beloit, Wisconsin and South Beloit, Illinois, died, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at Beloit Health & Rehabilitation in Beloit, Wisconsin.

The former Perlia Mae Harper was born, May 14, 1934 in Forest, Mississippi the daughter of Willie and Velma (Jones) Harper. Perlia moved to the Beloit Area with her family in the 40's and graduated from South Beloit High School. She married Willie C. Perry in 1953 in Beloit he preceded her in death in 2000. Perlia worked for many years as a cook at the Wagon Wheel Resort in Rockton, Illinois, and the Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin. Perlia was a member of Community Baptist Church in South Beloit, Illinois. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and cooking. She was lovingly referred to as "Mama" by all that knew her. Perlia taught her children to be strong and independent. She will be remembered for her laughter, and her love of family.

Perlia is survived by her five daughters, Emma Grace Perry of Independence, Missouri, Lena Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, Eloise Anderson of Jackson, Tennessee, Marilyn Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Tina Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, three sons, Robert Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, Jake Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, and John Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, four step-daughters, Willie Mae Perry of Jackson, Tennessee, Carrie Perry of Jackson, Tennessee, Florence Craft of Jackson, Tennessee, and Gloria Perry of Beloit, Wisconsin, two step-sons, Elester Perry of Tampa, Florida, and Terry Hicks of Whiteside, Tennessee, nineteen grandchildren, Harlin (Katie) Brooks, Octavia "Tabie" (Kevin) Stamper, TaSheka Perry, DeSheyna (Sherelle) Perry, DaeLesha Perry, TaNychia Perry, Perleeka Morgan, Bobby Morgan, Jr., Kiera Severson, Mardell McDonald, Robert Perry, Jr., Jahmere Hatch, Whitney Richardson, Brittany Davidson, Jake Perry, Jr., DeLena Perry, Denikka (Quartez) Carson, Donyil Anderson, and Domonique Buettnee, twenty-three great-grandchildren, three sisters, Rosie Bannister of Beloit, Wisconsin, Penny (Muriel) Flickin of Chicago, Illinois, and Marie Owens of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two brothers, Marshall Harper of Madison, Wisconsin, and Samuel Harper of California, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Lynn Perry, step-daughter, Lizzie Mae Hill, three step-sons, James Perry, Bobbie Joe Perry, and Willie C. Perry, Jr., three sisters, Jewel Guyton, Allie Dupree, and Helen Wiles, brother, Willie Harper.

Funeral services are 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2010 at New Life Ministries, 1400 Harvey Street, Beloit, Wisconsin with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in Floral Lawn Cemetery in South Beloit, Illinois. Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home in Beloit is honored to be assisting the family.

Funeral Service

Monday June 21, 2010, 12:00 p.m. at New Life Ministries
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Viewing of Remains

Monday June 21, 2010, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at New Life Ministries
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Burial

Monday June 21, 2010, 1:30 p.m. at Floral Lawn Cemetery
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