Obituary for Ms. Corine Virginia Bess Perry (Mama Perry)

Ms. Corine Virginia Bess Perry, affectionately known as Mama Perry, was born on January 11, 1936, in Kings Mountain, NC, to the late Dorus and Mattie Bess. She transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly reward on February 8, 2025.

A proud graduate of Kings Mountain High School, Virginia went on to marry Harry Perry and relocated to Greensboro, NC. In Greensboro, she pursued her education at Guilford Technical Institution, now known as Guilford Technical Community College, where she studied nursing.

Though Mother Perry held various jobs throughout her life, her true passion was working with newborns. As a traveling nurse for over forty years, she had the opportunity to travel internationally, including to Germany, London and Turkey. After retiring, she embraced life fully by cooking for her large family and planning family vacations and events, creating lasting memories for all.

Above all, Mother Perry was known for her unwavering faith in Christ. A devoted member of New Jerusalem Cathedral, she was a Legacy member with more than 50 years of service. Throughout her years at the church, she served under the leadership of Bishop Frank Williams and later Dr. Kevin A. Williams. Her contributions were immeasurable as she served as President of the Willing Workers Club, President of the Senior Usher Board, and even stepped in as a bus driver during the church’s early years.

Her faith, compassion, kindness, and dedication to family and community left a profound impact on all who knew her. Mother Perry was a woman of great strength, and her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorus and Mattie Bess; her beloved husband of 42 years, Harry Perry; two daughters, Anita Perry Bennett and Patricia Hargraves; one sister, Doris Hutchers; and two brothers, Phillip Bess and Kenneth Bess.

Mother Perry is survived by her five sons, Lawrence Perry, Mark Perry (Ida), Otis Perry, Clifton Perry, Marvin Hargrove; her granddaughter, Laquisha “Squeezie” Bennett, who lived with her; two sisters, Mattie Jordan and Lorrita Byers; two brothers, Martin Bess and Charles Bess; godchildren Richard Jackson, James Young, Michelle Best, and Sheene Beasley; 31 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 22 great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly.