Obituary for Johnann Doles Perry (Doles)
Johnann D. Perry
Johnann D. Perry departed this life peacefully on December 9, 2020 at Commonwealth Senior Living, Leigh Hall, Norfolk, where she resided in recent years. Born in Courtland, VA to the late John and Merdie Doles, Johnann celebrated her 96th birthday on July 2, 2020.
A product of the Southampton County Public Schools in Courtland, “Sis Johnnie,” as she was known in her home town, was employed by the City of Norfolk, Department of Parks and Recreation for more than 40 years. It was there that she met, mentored and inspired countless individuals through her sewing, arts and crafts, and dancing skills, along with her passionate joy for life.
Johnann was a longtime member of New Calvary Baptist Church, Norfolk, where she was a member of the Golden Ages Club; she also belonged to Gideon’s Riverside Fellowship, Chesapeake. Other affiliations included the Epicureans, the Moles, the Turtles, and the Alexandrites. A delightful social butterfly, her cheerful, bubbly spirit magnetically attracted others to her, both in church and social connections.
Johnann Doles was married to Dennis C. Perry for 57 years until his passing in 2002.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Dennis, Jr. (August 2020). Survivors include a daughter, Eunice Mebane of Richmond, VA; three sons, Earl of Savannah, GA; Bishop (Brenda) of Oakton, VA, and Dale (Vivian) of Welch, MN; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Perry of Willingboro, N.J.; and two “guardian angels,” Joanne Studivant of Norfolk and Kim Faulks of Chesapeake. She has one surviving sister, Barbara Barnes Washington of Olney, MD. Her legacy also includes nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Johnann “Sis Johnnie” Perry was loved and will be missed by many family members and dear friends.
With the addition of the exquisite flower that is Johnann, God’s garden has grown more beautiful. A funeral service, conducted by Dr. William Marcus Small, will be held Friday, December 18, for a limited number of family members. A viewing is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, at Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church Street, Norfolk. The service will be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. Friday via gravesfuneralhomeinc.com. Burial will follow in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake.
Johnann D. Perry departed this life peacefully on December 9, 2020 at Commonwealth Senior Living, Leigh Hall, Norfolk, where she resided in recent years. Born in Courtland, VA to the late John and Merdie Doles, Johnann celebrated her 96th birthday on July 2, 2020.
A product of the Southampton County Public Schools in Courtland, “Sis Johnnie,” as she was known in her home town, was employed by the City of Norfolk, Department of Parks and Recreation for more than 40 years. It was there that she met, mentored and inspired countless individuals through her sewing, arts and crafts, and dancing skills, along with her passionate joy for life.
Johnann was a longtime member of New Calvary Baptist Church, Norfolk, where she was a member of the Golden Ages Club; she also belonged to Gideon’s Riverside Fellowship, Chesapeake. Other affiliations included the Epicureans, the Moles, the Turtles, and the Alexandrites. A delightful social butterfly, her cheerful, bubbly spirit magnetically attracted others to her, both in church and social connections.
Johnann Doles was married to Dennis C. Perry for 57 years until his passing in 2002.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Dennis, Jr. (August 2020). Survivors include a daughter, Eunice Mebane of Richmond, VA; three sons, Earl of Savannah, GA; Bishop (Brenda) of Oakton, VA, and Dale (Vivian) of Welch, MN; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Perry of Willingboro, N.J.; and two “guardian angels,” Joanne Studivant of Norfolk and Kim Faulks of Chesapeake. She has one surviving sister, Barbara Barnes Washington of Olney, MD. Her legacy also includes nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Johnann “Sis Johnnie” Perry was loved and will be missed by many family members and dear friends.
With the addition of the exquisite flower that is Johnann, God’s garden has grown more beautiful. A funeral service, conducted by Dr. William Marcus Small, will be held Friday, December 18, for a limited number of family members. A viewing is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, at Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church Street, Norfolk. The service will be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. Friday via gravesfuneralhomeinc.com. Burial will follow in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake.