Passing into an eternity, when life has been sweet, is as going from one room into a larger and more beautiful one. The essence of the one blend itself into the beauty of the other.

Virginia Perry (nee Williford) peacefully departed this life on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Frontida Willow Green Assistant Living, joining the ranks of faithful soldiers of the cross as they are called to their eternal reward.

Born in Widener, Arkansas on October 20, 1935, to the late Lennie Willford, Jr. and the late Annie Bell (nee Johnson), she received her education in Widener Arkansas Public School before pursuing an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Gateway Technical School.

Virginia Perry entered into marriage with the late Mr. Felix Perry on July 12th, 1976, and together they shared a journey marked by love, companionship, and unwavering devotion. Their union exemplified the beauty of a partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and a deep connection that transcended the bounds of time.

Virginia Perry was an active and dedicated Deaconess of Wayman AME Church, where she found solace, strength, and purpose in her faith. Her unwavering commitment to her spiritual community was further demonstrated through her involvement in The Intercessor Prayer Team, where she fervently prayed for the well-being and upliftment of others. Virginia also found fellowship and camaraderie as a member of the Eastern Star, embodying the values of service, integrity, and sisterhood that the organization espoused.

Virginia Perry  leaves to mourn and cherish her loving memory Daughters: Nikita Churchwell of Milwaukee, WI and Regina Perry of Racine, WI; Sons: Timothy (Aravia) Churchwell of Maricopa, AZ; Felix Fidel (Ann) Perry, Keewana Perry of Milwaukee, WI of Racine, Wisconsin and Willard Perez Perry of Mississippi; Son in Love – Leornard Gibson; Twenty-five grandchildren and Fifteen Great Grandchildren; Siblings: Clemmie Lee Winston, Cleveland (Mary) Cornelius, Fulton (Iris) Bell, Jr. all of Racine, WI, Johnnie Lewis, Kenny Williams, Lenny Williford, John Williford, Gia Yeager, Jeannette (Alfred) Hutchinson  all of Madison, AK, Thomas (Michelle) Williford of San Antonio, TX, Marvin Williford of Rhode Island, NY, Mary Mason of Missouri; Specials Cousins: Wallace Hodges; Her in Loves: John (Mildred) Perry, Levora Perry, Rev. Billy (Della) Perry, Robert (Lorraine) Perry; Special Friends Grace Carter and Bobby Jones; God-Daughters and God-Sons; as well as Nieces and Nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Virginia Perry was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Perry, her parents Lennie Willford Jr. and Annie (Fulton Bell Sr.); her two daughters, Patricia D. Bell and Margaret Bell-Gibson, her son, Michael Churchwell; her granddaughter, Kimberly Bell-McNeil; Aunt Virgia Hodges, and numerous other brothers and sisters.

Service Details

Homegoing Service for Virginia will be held in Wayman Church, 424 N. Memorial Drive, Racine on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00AM. Inurnment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Cemetery.