BOBBYE LOUISE PERRY

It is with extreme sadness that we announce our beloved, Bobbye Louise Perry, passed away January 2, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 87.

The third of nine children, Bobbye was born in Okolona, Arkansas on August 11, 1934, to Nashville and Mary Ross Payne. She spent her childhood in Okolona and studied education at Dunbar College.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Bobbye moved to Wilson, Arkansas where she had a successful teaching career. She was married in 1956 and had six children; she was proud to embrace her new role as a mother.

Bobbye was a natural caregiver and served as a village for so many. After raising her own family, she selflessly stepped up to help raise her grandchildren when her daughter, Karen, joined the military. She would eventually travel the world with Karen and her grandkids, remaining a central figure in their lives until the day of her passing.

Bobbye’s presence was warm—you felt her love even when she didn’t say it. She was both reserved and forthcoming: she minded her own business while being unafraid to tell you about yourself. Bobbye loved crossword puzzles, the Spurs, and each of her great-grandchildren. Most importantly, she loved her family, the Lord and getting dressed for church on Sunday mornings. She will be missed terribly by her family and those who loved her.

Bobbye is preceded in death by her parents, Nashville and Mary Ross Payne, her two sisters Mildred Payne, Peggy Jean Whitaker and her two brothers, Lee Rogers Payne and Paul David Payne.

She is survived by her six children: Glenda, Kelvin, Karen, Michael (Hilkka), Brenda and Linda; brothers Charles, Billy Joe (Carol), Johnny (Sarah) and Larry (Tracy); eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.