Glenda McConnell Perry

Glenda M. Perry, 88, the first woman to wear a pantsuit at NASA, died on February 1, 2024, at her home in Pearland, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She rose from humble beginnings to a life rich with friends, family, love, and adventure.

Glenda was born on February 13, 1935, on a farm in Cornish, Arkansas, to Shirley and Robert Leonard McConnell. She endured many hardships, living through the Great Depression (a sure sign to her grand-and great-grandchildren that she could face any obstacle), learning in a two-room schoolhouse, carving out a new life in Texas in 1944, rearing two rambunctious boys (a prerequisite in this family), navigating life after a diabetes diagnosis, and losing three husbands to cancer. Something of a black widow, Glenda outlived spouses Nolan Bransford, Wendell Brockett, and James Calvin Perry. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Truett and James.

Glenda’s surviving family members are her sons Ruel (Cheryl) and Brian (Debbie) Bransford; her precious grandchildren Erin (James), Ryan (Tessa), Brian Douglas (Jennifer), Amy (Bo), and Cole; her mostly-precious eight great-grandchildren; and her two beloved, sassy sisters Carol and Rita.

Glenda lived a “hell of a second half,” according to her family. Resemblant of a hummingbird – her favorite – she was radiant and vibrant. Though she did not hesitate to share her acerbic, critical observations of family and friends alike, she nurtured them, always placing their needs before her own. She was tiny yet fierce, refusing to slow down in later life. Glenda extracted the nectar from life, filling her days flitting from reading to music to the arts to gardening to traveling and to dancing. She frequently proclaimed, “I don’t want to live in a world without dancing.” Glenda would encourage us all to not live life too seriously and to waltz our way through it.

Those who loved her and wish to celebrate her life are invited to attend a memorial at Forest Park East at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Per Glenda’s request, donations can be made to Houston Audobon Society at houstonaudobon.org.