Coda Dean Pickard Perry

On July 14, 2023, Coda Dean Pickard Perry with her daughter by her side entered the gates of Heaven to live in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on March 8, 1930, Coda was always a kind and loving person. She might have been a bit shy, but she had a heart of gold.

Coda was the only child of her parents, Mary Eva Coward Pickard and Edward Clifford Pickard. She grew up in Ramseur and Liberty and attended Liberty High School. Coda worked for Liberty Hosiery Mill until she became her mother's full time caregiver. Following her mother's death she went back to work for a necktie manufacturer in Ramseur. She was married to Clarence Maynard “Shorty” Perry until his death. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Anita Williams Williamson, the bond they shared was special. Anita will carry her mother's legacy of strength and kindness. Coda also leaves behind her special family, Rex Purcell and his mother, Brenda Purcell.

Coda was the longest living member of First United Methodist Church in Liberty. She joined the church on April 18, 1943, when she was 13 years of age. As a member of the “Jazzy Belles” for many years, Coda made many fond memories with this group of ladies as they traveled and shared meals together. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at Post 81.

Life threw Coda a curveball when she suffered a serious heart attack. The experience was tough, but it led to a big change in Coda. She found a new sense of confidence and a purpose to help others. After her recovery, Coda started volunteering at Cone Health Cardiac Rehab Center, where she continued to volunteer for over 22 years and made many lifelong friends. She enjoyed supporting others who were going through what she had experienced. When life threw her another curveball, in the midst of a liver cancer diagnosis, she remained steadfast, unwavering and faced it head-on. Her optimism and resilience were inspiring. Coda lived her life with quiet courage. Her journey from a shy individual to a confident woman ready to assist others is an inspiration. She showed us all that it's never too late to change and start anew.

As we remember Coda, we don’t focus on the loss of her presence, but celebrate her life and the positive impact she had on so many people. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty, 212 W. Swannanoa Avenue, Liberty, NC. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Fayetteville Street, Liberty, NC. The family will host a reception following the service in the church fellowship hall. She will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 220, Liberty, NC 27298. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com. Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve Coda's family.