Birdene Bernina Perry

The Life & Legacy of Birdene Perry

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8

Birdene Bernina Perry, born on June 5,1930 to the parentage of Viola Kelly and Oliver Hosea Perry, lived her entire childhood and returned in her adult life to the Leon County homesite, County Road 408, in Normangee, purchased by her grandparents, Nelson and Caroline Perry in 1872. She was called home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2022, at the age of 91.

She was educated in the Leon County schools, and graduated from Carter G. Woodson High. She continued her higher education at Mary Allen College in Crockett, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree and Prairie View A&M University, where she received a Master of Science degree, respectively.

Birdene worked a total of forty four (44) years in public school education in the combined communities of Buffalo, Trinity, and Normangee, retiring in 1972, when she returned home.

She continued to be active on the farm, in the community and in the church and many civic organizations. Much of her time and talents were dedicated to the Turner Cemetery Organization, the Southeast Water Board at Centerville, Order of the Eastern Star, Texas Retired Teachers Association, Carter G. Woodson Alumni, the Tabernacle Association, many farm and ranch organizations, and was the first African American elected to the Normangee Independent School District Board.

Her most devoted time was spent working in the church where she was baptized, nurtured, and her foundation in Christ began as a child, The Galilee Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Birdene worked tirelessly alongside her mother and longtime member, Clara Arnold. Their task was to continue the church by whatever means necessary. She had proudly stated that there would always be a church at Galilee as long as she was alive.

After the death of her mother and Mrs. Arnold, Birdene continued to maintain, restore and support the church.. She made sure the church was cleaned, cooled and heated, and the lawn kept in order. You were sure to receive an invite each March to return to “Family and Friends Day”, with a great program and plenty of food to take away!

Miss Perry, as she was known to most, impacted many lives. She received many awards and accolades for her service. Stern and direct, she never left you wondering what her position was.

Birdene moved from Leon County in December, 2020, as her health failed. We are thankful for her friend and caregiver, Mrs. Venola McClellan, Nurse Keisha and the excellent care givers of Freedom Hospice, and the staff of Heartis Arlington for her care.

Birdene was preceded in death by her parents, Viola and O.H. Perry; sisters Alberta Miles, Jewel Keeton and Carrie Perry; and brothers, Murry B. Fortson and Edwin Perry, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one brother, Sherman Perry (Shirley) of Arlington; and sisters-in-law, Artince Fortson and Carol Perry of Fort Worth; nieces, Bettie Tinnell, Dorothy Bridges, Diane Tatum, Andrelle Perry, Sonya Murphy and Kaylee Land; nephews, Virgil Keeton, Jr, Tony Keeton, Andre Keeton, Stanley Keeton, Bradley Youman, Ferrel Perry and Terence Perry and a host of other relatives, Leon County residents and friends.

Homegoing services for Birdene will be held 12 noon, Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Interment will follow in Perry Cemetery on the Perry homestead on county road 408 near Normangee, Texas.

Out of respect to the Perry and at their request masks will be required, as well as social distancing precautions observed.