Ladee Devorah Perry. Mother extraordinaire, known as Mommy, Ma, Nana, Ladee Bell, Bird. The glue, the backbone, and the moral compass of our family. She strived for excellence in everything that she did and all with a touch of class!
The oldest of 8 children, Ladee D. was born to Pearl Devorah and Ulas Benjamin Lewis in East St. Louis, IL on February 1, 1937. She was raised and educated in East St Louis. She was a member of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church as a child and joined the Methodist Church where she came to know Jesus Christ her Lord and savior.
Ladee met the love of her life, Saul Perry, Jr., in 1954 at a church Christmas event while he was stationed at Scotts Air Force Base in Belleville, IL. They married in Illinois and made the decision to return to his hometown of Newton, MA. Ladee dreamed of becoming a dietician but did not pursue this as she chose to be at home to raise her young family. Ladee was strategic in what she did while being a stay-at-home mom; she instilled in her children the importance of order, and structure; doing things so they became routine: keeping a clean house, cooking, proper manners, and finances. Most importantly, Ladee balanced discipline with unconditional love! She was the enforcer of our parents; you knew not to disobey Ladee.
At an early age, Ladee took on the responsibility of raising four of her siblings due to the sudden death of her mom at the age of 44. Ladee and Saul created a loving, safe, and welcoming environment for their intergenerational family including their children, her siblings, aunt, and eventually her grandmother.
Ladee reentered the workforce as a Foreperson at Gullisten Industries, as well, partnered with her husband, Saul in their entrepreneurial efforts, where they were in a partnership, and established a successful catering business, Black and White Catering Services. As a licensed Home Day Care provider, she grew a small Home Day Care into a thriving business for over 25 years caring for over 40 children and families over this time; many of whom are still in her life today.
Ladee and Saul lived in Newton, MA before moving to Allston, MA where they resided for over 40 years, and raised their family. Upon retirement in 2003 they moved to Haverhill, MA where they have resided for the past 18 years.
Ladee was a warrior who stood firm in her convictions, who never left you guessing what was on her mind, who was loyal and dedicated to her family, friends, and clients alike. She was a woman of immeasurable strength, with great character who loved the Lord with all of her heart.
Ladee is survived by her four children, Debbie Pierre-Mike (Guarry, deceased) of Allston; Curtis Perry Sr., deceased (Victoria) of Boston; Deborah Smith (Tim) of Andover; Denise Wynn (Alan) of Andover; Kevin Perry (Toni) of Fitchburg; Grandchildren: Robson McPhail, Curtis Perry Jr., Janaya Pierre-Mike, Kevin G. Perry, Derek Gibson, Evan Wynn, Porsha Pierre-Mike, Kyle Pierre-Mike, Dr. Felisha Perry Smith, MD, Abria Wynn, Jordane Smith, Xavier Perry, Perry Wynn, Jared Smith, Arianna Perry(Deceased), Essence Perry, Ciara Perry, Avery Perry, Marcus Perry. A host of great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren. Sisters, Rosemary Miller, Zeila Lewis, Annette Atkins, Carolyn Lewis; brother, Raymond Lewis, and sister-in-law, Mary Perry Ragsdale, countless nieces, nephews, and friends. Ladee was predeceased in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Saul; her son, Curtis Perry Sr., brother Don Lewis, sister Crystal Lewis, son-in-law Guarry Pierre-Mike and granddaughter, Arianna Perry.
Ladee was an active member of Andover Baptist Church right up to the time of her stroke, 13 years ago. Ladee's favorite pastime was decorating, tending to her beautiful plants, redesigning her home, and making you laugh. She enjoyed watching crime and game shows. She was an amazing, incredibly gifted cook, organizer, and confidant. Each of her grandchildren would name their favorite nana Ladee dish. From her oatmeal to her tuna and potato salad and that oh so amazing mac ‘n cheese, the best-fried chicken ever and let’s not forget her banana pudding! Ladee was known for her signature dishes.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. May she live in God's eternal, everlasting love, and peace with her beloved Saul and son Curtis and all the loved ones who preceded her in death.
Mom, your life's journey here on earth has ended but, you are now on the journey of living the life God intended for you, filled with the revelation of joy, peace, and comfort.
Fly like a "Bird" Ladee D
In Lieu of flowers the family of Ladee Perry asks that a donation in her name be made to one of the following organizations: The American Cancer Society; The American Brain Foundation; or The High Pointe Hospice House, Haverhill, MA 01830. Thank you.
Services will be held on:
Date:
Saturday, January 8th, 2022
Location:
Temple Beth Avodah
45 Puddingstone Lane
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Time:
Wake: 11 am - 12 pm
Service: 12 pm - 1:30 pm
Content is coming soon...
Casper Funeral Services
187 Dorchester Street
Boston, MA 02127 617-269-1930
