It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Viola Mae Perry, 99 of Toledo on Sunday, November 27, 2022. Vi was born in Waynesboro, Tennessee on April 19, 1923 to Edna & Solon Mathews, then early on moved to Lutts Tennessee where she married Walter Perry. In their early years together, money was so scarce that they had to make their own furniture from trees on the property. She was favored by the locals for her generous spirit. She often sewed for people & also served as a midwife in the rural community. When Walter & Vi moved to Toledo Vi worked at Willy’s Overland in the upholstery shop. She was also an entrepreneur owning a bridal shop, using her sewing skills she also made many of the outfits for the children on Romper Room. While living in Savannah Tennessee Vi owned two antique store, something that she loved doing, she was very knowledgeable about antiques. Vi also worked as a nurse & served many people in private practice. She was a very stylish woman which belied her humble beginnings. Vi enjoyed traveling & especially liked visiting the Islands. She was an extremely generous woman who had a great instinct for people’s needs. She would often give her own possessions to those less fortunate. She was very tuned in to those who were poor, & always looked to do Gods work, often helping people she didn’t even know, weather it was with her time, prayers (she was a great prayer warrior) or new tires for someone stranded on the side of the road. We will all miss the huge dinners she would lovingly prepare for all to attend. Everyone was always welcome at her table. She was a loving, giving soul whos giving knew no bounds. We will miss her greatly. Vi lived with her daughter, Ginger, for the last 17 years as she fell into failing health.
Vi leaves behind, daughters: Shirley (Ginger) Richardson, Sharon (Larry) Mancini, Son: Bill Perry, brother: Raymond (Tip) Mathews, sister: Frances Griggs, along with many grandchildren & great grandchildren. Vi was preceded in death by her husband Walter; parents; brothers Bill & JD; and sisters Dorothy (Malcom) & Loraine.
As per Vi’s request, there will be no visitation. Services will be private. She always said “Bring me flowers while I am living”. There will never be another like her.
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