Cynthia S Perry

Cynthia Annette Smith Perry, the oldest child of the late Willie Edward Smith, Sr., and Maude Lee Howell Smith was born on August 29, 1960, in Suffolk, Virginia. She departed this life on September 13, 2023.

Cynthia attended Gates County Public Schools and graduated in 1978 from Gates County High School. She continued her education at Roanoke Chowan Technical College where she earned her Associates in Applied Science Degree on August 21, 1981.

On December 14, 1981, she was joined in holy matrimony with her high school sweetheart, Ricky Perry. To this union a wonderful son and beautiful daughter were born.

Giving her life to the Lord at an early age, Cynthia was a lifetime dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Gates. She was president of the usher board and part of the deaconess ministry. She also served as the church secretary for many years until her health declined.

Cynthia was employed with the Gates County Public Schools for over 18 years. Working with children was her passion and she had a positive impact on their lives. Mrs. Perry was well known for having a whistle to blow when the kids were loud. She always kept money in the office for any child who needed snack or lunch money. Cynthia loved walking laps in the school after work with her coworkers. Losing weight was always a priority for her.

Cynthia lived her life to the fullest. She loved riding with her husband, Ricky Perry aka (Lonely Rider), on the 18-wheeler traveling across 38 states. She also had a love for reading novels and she always kept a diary. She was a very organized person. Cynthia always made sure her family and friends were taken care of. There was nothing she would not do for anyone.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her father, Willie Edward Smith, Sr., and grandparents, Lewis Howell, Ella Howell, Bernice Sears Smith, and Oliver Smith.

She leaves a lifetime of memories and love to her loving husband of 42 years and 46 years of romance, Ricky Perry, Sr., of the home; her children: a son, Ricky Perry, Jr. (Keturah) of Houston, Texas and a daughter, Latasha Knight of Sunbury, North Carolina; two grandsons whom she loved dearly, Khamani Antonio Knight and Khamari DeQuan Knight; a caring mother, Maude Lee Howell Smith of Gates, NC; a loving brother, Willie Edward Smith, Jr. (Shaniece) of Greenville, North Carolina and a loving sister, Sandra Elaine Smith of Chesapeake, Virginia; ex-son-in law, Calvin Knight, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, family and friends.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday September 20, 2023, from 3pm to 6pm at the funeral home.

A celebration of life service take place on Thursday September 21, 2023, 11am at First Baptist Gates.

Final resting place will be at the church cemetery.

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