Emily Tennille Perry

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Emily Tennille Perry, 45. Emily went home to be with the Lord August 30, 2023 in Killeen, TX while surrounded by her parents and friends. Emily was born June 1, 1978 and raised in Fayetteville, NC. Emily is survived by her parents, Edward and Terry Perry of Fayetteville, NC; her sister Mechele Whalen of Eastpointe, MI; her nephews Sean and Riley Whalen of Hope Mills, NC; and numerous Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins across the U.S. and U.K. Emily was preceded in death by her fraternal grandparents Iris and Clyde Dean; her maternal grandparents Gene and Ellen Wilson, and her aunts and uncles Patricia and Gene Fuller, and Susie and Keith Jenkins. Emily, also known as “Sunshine” by her parents, as “Pumpkin” by her Grandpa Wilson, as “Short Stack” by her Uncle Scott, and as “Gumby” by her fellow camp counselors, graduated from 71st High School in 1996; from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education; from Pembroke University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and from Central Michigan University with a Masters in Education. Emily also taught at Brentwood Elementary School and Alderman Road Elementary School, both in Fayetteville, NC; she also taught at Baldwin Elementary School in Hope Mills, NC, and Fowler Elementary School in Killeen, TX. While working as a teacher in NC, Emily found it necessary to seek a second job; this search took her to the Nike store in Smithfield, where she acquired a new group of friends. Emily dedicated her life to education; not only was she devoted to teaching “her children”, but she was also a mentor to other teachers. Emily was known as a caring supporter of her coworkers, using her catch phrase, “I Got You!” She was also known to yell “Go Cowboys” for her favorite NFL team, a passion she shared with her Daddy. Emily was a very active young lady; she started formal dance lessons at the age of 3 at “The Dance Connection” and continued dancing into her 20’s. She was named Dancer of the Year for 1994-1995. While in middle school, she was the school mascot, a cardinal with a full costume. In high school she was a member of the Flag Team and then became a cheerleader. During her school years, she took up the viola and reached the pinnacle of her playing when she was selected to become a member of the Cumberland County Youth Orchestra. Emily was also a Girl Scout, achieving the highest recognition “The Gold Award”. Emily was also a camp counselor at Camp Graham Girl Scout Camp in NC. The visitation for Emily will be Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 5-7 PM at Reeves Funeral Home, Hope Mills, NC. The service will be Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Hope Mills, NC, with a burial to follow at Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville, NC. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.

“Although our hearts are broken, we know she is at peace, and that Emily’s Legacy will live on. We love you Sunshine.”

A service of Reeves Funeral Home, Hope Mills, NC.