Mary Perry

Wednesday, August 30, 2017, Mary Elizabeth Taylor Perry (85), gained her wings and took flight to her heavenly home. To Lottie and Enos Perry on December 11, 1931, Mary was born in Frederica, De, where she grew up with her only other sibling James Robert Taylor; who was eleven years her senior. Mary enjoyed being a spoiled child as there were so many years between her and James.  Mary’s education was at the Union School in Frederica until the 8th grade.  At an early age, she entered the workforce holding down various jobs such as working for Swift Chicken Factory, in Felton, De and she worked as a domestic worker doing household duties for prominent families in the area.

She applied and became a Custodial Worker and Cook for the State of Delaware.  Her journey of employment with the state took her through two Governor’s Administrations. While a custodial employee she was tapped to become a cook during Governor Charles Terry tenure (1965-1969) and when his term was over Republican Governor, Russell Peterson placed her back in her previous custodial position. Then in 1973, When Governor Sherman Tribbitt took office she again was chosen to be the cook at the Governors’ Mansion.  The Democrats knew good cooking when they tasted it and she was an excellent cook!

Mary was lauded all the time for her cooking and she was just as good at bowling.  As an avid bowler, Mary was on various leagues and stayed in the high scoring brackets of the game. She also earned awards for her bowling prowess.  She also loved fishing so much so she took swimming lesson to she would feel safe on the fishing boat.  Even though her husband Harold was the gardener, she loved making strawberry preserves and grape jelly and other things that came from the garden. Some of her specialties were making iced tea (it was really good with a twist) apple dumplings, yeast rolls and chicken and dumplings to name a few. Mary also had a passion for antiques and she was an avid bell collector. Going to the casinos was a pastime that she enjoyed a lot. She often said that it relaxed her. If she was not doing that she was watching Jerry Springer, Steve Wilkos and the Price is Right. 

Mary joined Hubert AME Church over 30 years ago and faithfully served until the health of Harold and herself prevented her from doing so. While at Hubert, she served on the Usher Board and the Kitchen committee. Over the span of her life, she received many awards and accolades because of her willingness to be involved and serve.     

November 30, 1957, she joined Harold Saunders Perry, Sr in holy matrimony where that union lasted for 59 years until his going home to be the Lord on March 2, 2017.

Her husband Harold S. Perry, Sr., preceded Mary in death along with her son, Harold S. Perry, Jr and her brother James Robert Taylor, Sr. and nephew who was like a brother to her James Robert Taylor, Jr.  She leaves to cherish her memory daughters Wanda Perry, Frederica, Victoria Teat (Tyrone) Felton, De and Brenda Teat McCreary (Rivers) Dover, De. In addition two brothers-in-laws; Randall Perry, Georgia and Isaac Perry (Yvonne) Harrington, DE.  Special cousin Mary Hovington and best friend Louise Kirk. Godchildren: Maxine Taylor, Rebecca Hurst –LeCompte, Theresa Perry and Juanita Torian. Special niece: Shanita Foster, 14 grandchildren, 15 great children and a host more of family and friends. 

   Home Going Service will take place at 3 pm, Saturday, September 9, 2017, in Calvary Baptist Church, Queen & Fulton Sts., Dover, DE; where family and friends may view 2 hours before. Burial will take place at 1:00 pm, Monday, September 11, 2017, in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Dr., Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713. Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com.

 Service Information