Mother Thenia Elizabeth Perry

Age 87, of Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal on Saturday, November 4, 2017.
Obituary

The words of this poem could very well have been written to describe Thenia Elizabeth Combs Perry and the beautiful Christian life she lived. She was born March 12, 1930 to Luther and Matilda Smith Combs in Nashville, Tennessee. Following the death of her mother, her father married Sister Leona Jennings who became a real mother to Thenia and her sister, the late Jennie Mai Williams. Her Christian teachings at home and in the Holiness Church helped her become the person like the person described in the poem above.

Throughout her school days, including her years at Pearl High School, Thenia’s heart-warming smiles, kind words, and her genuine caring personality caused her to have many friends. “She loved and was loved by everyone she met”.

Thenia was marriaged to Mr. Edward Perry caused her to become an instant wife, daughter-in-law to Mrs. Amelia Perry, and mother to Robert, Samuel and Mary Perry. Sister Perry used many skills, and willingness to do all that she could possibly do for her growing family as Nasser, Arnetia, Brenda and Jerome were born. Those who were fortunate enough to be her neighbor and friend, were truly blessed by this God-fearing woman who willingly came through when there was anything she could do despite how difficult it was, and how long it took.

Sister Perry grew up in the Holiness Church under the leadership of Bishop R. E. Williams. She has the distinction of being one of the first members of the Meharry Youth Choir. Throughout the years, Sister Perry served in many capacities under the leadership of several Bishops. She was a member of the Mother’s Board Committee under the leadership of Bishop Jerry E. Gordon. She was appointed to the Hospitality Committee by Bishop Andrew J. Valentine. She also served under the Usher Board many years.

After her children grew up and became self-sufficient, Thenia became an avid traveler. Her most memorable and enjoyable ventures were trips to California; Accra, Ghana Africa; and Paris, France.

Sister Perry was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Perry; brother, Phillip Morris; sister, Jennie Mai Williams; sons, Robert, Samuel and Nasser Perry; and daughter, Mary Harbison.

Sister Perry is survived by daughters, Arnetia Perry and Brenda Perry; son, Jerome (Melissa) Perry; fifteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; devoted foster daughters, Kim Milton and Sylvia Owens; devoted sister, Muzell Hester; niece, Lona Mae (Dennis) Boykins; other friends, cousins, and Church family.