Mary Perry

A few days ago, I had to close my eyes and go to sleep. It was the only way I could answer the “Call of Our Father”. I felt His presence in my room. I heard His mighty voice saying, “Come to Me, Child”, lay down your sword and shield and take your rest. I had not time to leave a note, I just slipped away in the midst of the hour. It was my time, I had to go. “God’s Grace” was all I needed to make the “Journey”. I had no time to dress in my “Finest Robe”, I knew I had a robe in Heaven. I had no time to comb my hair, I knew I had a crown up in Heaven. I just closed my eyes, I had to slip away. So don’t you worry, don’t cry. I had no time to say “Goodbye”. I know we will meet “Up in Heaven”.

Mary Elizabeth Perry entered eternal rest peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the Rolling Green Village Nursing Home. She was a daughter of the late Mary M. Perry and Willie Chester Ross.

She was a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1969. Mary joined the Gethsemane Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her three sons. She loved people and always had the best advice and a story to tell. At the family reunion everyone waited on her to tell jokes. At the beauty salon, some made sure they came on Mary’s day of service, just to hear what she had to say. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, everyone knew that if they didn’t get a gift that Mary had one for them when she arrived. She loved to give to others. Love was expressed to her even in the hospital, the nurses couldn't wait for some people to leave, because most of the time they were in there. They hated to see her leave, she kept them entertained.

Mary was a retiree of the United States Post Office after thirty years of service.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold “Buster” Chapman.

Left to cherish many fond and loving memories are her two sons, Jarvis Perry and Chad Chapman, both of Greenville, SC; a stepson, Erik A. (Chesa) Chapman of Anderson, SC; two grandchildren, Justin and Olivia Chapman; two brothers, Michael (Barbara) Ross of Williamsport, PA, and Dennis Ross of Hinesville, GA; aunts, Sylvia P. Scott and Lois P. (Milton) Brown; an uncle, James R. Perry; raised as a sisters, Van Dee Perry, Cynthanie P. Sumpter and Brigetta Z. Perry; raised as brothers, Jeremiah H. Perry, Walter A. (Bessie) Perry, II, and Bobby Ross; a very dear sister-in-law, Judy C. Beck; a sister-friend, Kathy Lyons; and a host of other relatives and friends. Mary had so many friends, we can’t name them all.