REDDIX, Rowena Pinkie – Passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in Metairie, LA on October 25, 2019. Pinkie was born in New Orleans on August 24, 1930 in the parsonage of Haven United Methodist Church. She attended New Orleans public schools graduating from McDonough No. 35 in 1947, received a bachelor’s degree in education from Dillard University (class of 1951), and a master’s degree in education from California State University, Hayward.
She was a dedicated educator for over 40 years in New Orleans and in Richmond & Stockton, California public schools. After retirement from California schools she became principal at Blue Lake Elementary in DeLand, Florida for four years. She returned to her beloved New Orleans in 1991 to teach GED courses to adults.
Pinkie’s first marriage was to John David Perry (deceased) of Oakdale, LA in Paris, France on October 6, 1952. From that union she is survived by two children, Barbara Ann Perry of New Orleans, LA and Rev. Elston Ricky Perry of San Leandro, CA, and a loving granddaughter LaBrena S. Perry-Williams of New Orleans.
She is preceded in death by her parents Rev. Benjamin J. Reddix, Jr. and Mamie L. Mott Reddix; brother Benjamin J. Reddix, III, and sisters Ruth M. Reddix, Fannie Naomi Reddix Adams (Norwood - deceased), and nephew Benjamin Adams. Pinkie is survived by brother Dr. Roscoe C. Reddix, Sr. (Fannie – deceased) of New Orleans; sister Jacqueline M. Reddix Hawkins (William - deceased) of Memphis, TN; nieces and nephews; Nordette Adams, Roslyn Terrell (Marlon, Sr.), Dr. Rhoda Reddix, Roscoe Reddix, Jr., William Hawkins, Jr., (Veronica) and Marlon Hawkins; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; goddaughter Margie Brown of Oakland, CA; play daughter Deborah Chapman of New Orleans, LA; and her many friends, neighbors and colleagues. Pinkie was the beloved sister-in-law and aunt of the Perry family from Oakdale, LA.
Pinkie was a devoted member of the United Methodist Women, a lifetime member of the NAACP and many other organizations. Prior to her illness, she worshipped at First Grace United Methodist Church in Mid-City New Orleans. The family would like to thank the First Grace family for their love and assistance, Louisiana Hospice & Palliative Care New Orleans, the Atrium Assisted Living in Metairie, Ochsner Medical Center, and all who loved and cared for her.
A Celebration of her life will take place at First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal St., New Orleans, LA on November 23, 2019. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, and the Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 am. A repast will follow immediately at the church. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pinkie's honor to the Alzheimer's Association. Messages of memories and condolences may be left to the family at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.
