Josephine Perry

Memorial Service will be streamed on Zoom. Meeting ID 722 317 7854 Passcode 1087

The Life and Legacy

Of

Josephine Belinda Perry

Josephine Belinda Perry née Williams was born on May 5 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Elwood & Esther Hill. During her time in Atlanta she was baptized in the baptist church. She was educated in the Atlanta School System & graduated high school there, After completing high school Josephine affectionately known as Jo migrated to Philadelphia with her new husband Arthur Lee Smith.

Jo & Arthur settled in North Philadelphia. From her union to Arthur Smith 3 children were born: Laverne, Cheryl Denise and Michael Anthony. After the birth of her children Jo continued her education at Community College of Philadelphia majoring in business. During her studies she was offered and accepted a position at Episcopal Hospital as a Medical Administrator for the Emergency Department. This led to a long fulfilling career which she took great pride in. She worked her position for 29 years and 8 months. She was quick to let you know precisely how long she held her position and thus she had seen or heard it all.

After separating from Arthur she along with her 3 children relocated from North Philadelphia to West Philadelphia and finally settled in Germantown. She continued working at Episcopal into the 1980s during which time her only grandchild, a grandson named Seth Marquis was born. As the decade progressed she retired from Episcopal Hospital. Enjoying her retirement to the fullest she spent time with her family, traveled and liked to attend horse races. She built a special bond with her grandson Seth. One of their favorite past times was spending afternoons at Barnes and Nobles drinking cappuccino, hot chocolate, eating wafers, and reading for hours. She also encouraged Seth to stay active often taking him to the local YMCA near her

home where he played sports. Jo was also an excellent cook who loved cooking big meals and hosting the family on the holidays.

Several years into her retirement she met and began to date Herman Perry. They relocated to North Carolina and were wed until his passing. After his passing she remained in North Carolina for a few more years living on her own. However she eventually returned to the North to be closer to her family.

Upon her return to the North, Jo moved back to Germantown and eventually settled in Elkins Park with her daughter Cheryl. She was a loving & engaging Grandma who spent much time building a close relationship with her great grandchildren. They bonded over good meals, movies and countless conversations. She was a very family oriented woman who enjoyed shopping trips with her daughters, going out to dinner with family, chatting with visitors while imparting her sharp wit, wisdom, laughs and having her family come together once more for holiday meals.

On September 4, 2020 during the overnight hours Josephine Belinda Perry transitioned from this life in her sleep. She was comfortable and receiving private care at home for dementia at the time of her passing. She was predeceased by her parents Elwood and Esther Hill, her 1st husband Arthur Lee and 2nd husband Herman Perry. She will be dearly missed and survived by her children: Laverne Fulton & Son in Law Deacon Renaldo Fulton (Nard), Cheryl Denise Smith, Michael Anthony Smith & Daughter in Law Norma L Smith; Grandson Seth Marquis Sykes & Granddaughter in Law Cassandra N Sykes (Cola); her Great-GrandChildren: Catarina Olivia-Jean Sykes, Sarabella Marchesa Sykes, Carson Miles Jamieson Sykes & Shiloh Oscar Jordan Sykes. In addition to brothers Anthony Tate, David Hill and a host of relatives, friends and acquaintances.