Irene Jessee Perry

PERRY, Irene Jessee, 86, wife, mother, artist, teacher and friend to many, went to be with the Lord on October 10, 2010, joining her husband of 45 years, Joseph F. Perry Sr. She is survived by five children, Kimberly Perry, Lana and husband, Herb Berry, Brenda Robinson, Frank and wife, Lynn Perry, Tim and wife, Cindy Perry; grandchildren, Lori Tiller and husband, Norm Tiller, Tami Berry, Joey Perry, Jessee Perry and Timothy Perry; three great-grandchildren, Christian Tiller, Sarah Tiller and Christopher Tiller; one great-great-grandchild, William Tiller. She was the daughter of the late Arnold and Muphus Jessee; and sister to Janice and husband, Dewey Tiller, Arnold Jr., and wife, Faye and Carl Jessee. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Perry was a founding member of University Painters, former president of Richmond Artists Association, honorary member of Tuckahoe Artist Association, officer and member of James River Art League and member of Crossroads Art Center. Her paintings are held in many private and corporate collections. She taught oil painting at Tuckahoe Woman's Club for over 15 years and taught private classes through October 2010. She was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Painting and Printmaking.

Mrs.Perry was an elementary school teacher and was a founder of Ivy Springs Baptist Church in Southwest Virginia. She was a member and Sunday School Teacher at Derbyshire Baptist Church. Irene traveled extensively with her husband during World War II, and as they built a life and loving home for their family.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel on October 12, 2010, with services to be held at 1 p.m. on October 13, 2010, at Derbyshire Baptist Church, 8800 Derbyshire Road Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ivy Springs Baptist Church, Route 1, Box 648A, Swords Creek, Va. 24649. Please make online condolences to: woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.