Dr. Madeline Kay Perry, DDS, unexpectedly died at her home on March 8, 2024, from cardiac arrest while recuperating from an accident. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 18th at Sedgefield Presbyterian Church in Greensboro (4216 Wayne Rd.), with Reverend Kimberly K. Priddy officiating. A reception will follow at the church. At 2:00, a brief graveside service will take place at Guilford Memorial Park in Sedgefield (6000 Gate City Blvd); family and friends are welcome to attend.
Kay was born in Winston Salem on August 18, 1951, to the late Margaret Mack Perry and Albert Frank Perry. She is survived by her son Jonathan Perry and his fiancé Jamie Howell, sister Karen Perry Hollyday, and brother Douglas Perry and his wife, Catherine Boyne. Kay is also survived by nieces Kaleigh Hollyday and Margaret Perry, and by nephews, Michael Perry, Alexander Hollyday and girlfriend Molly Beck, and Evan Hollyday. Lastly, Kay is survived by her extended family of many cousins.
For most of her childhood, and as an adult when she purchased her family home in 1995, Kay lived in Sedgefield in Greensboro. After graduation from Ragsdale High School, Kay attended Wake Forest University for two years, then transferred to UNC-CH, where she graduated in 1975. She then pursued her DDS from the Adams School of Dentistry at UNC-CH, graduating and receiving her dental license in 1978. Over time, Kay built a successful family dental practice in Jamestown and Greensboro, which she operated until her retirement in 2016. She was one of the first female dentists in Guilford County to operate a solo dentist practice. Kay was committed to her patients and made herself available at all hours to help a patient. She was caring and honest with her patients, to ensure a quality outcome for their dental health. Kay believed in serving others and using her skills in other environments. As a dentist, she demonstrated this value by volunteering with the free dental clinic in Greensboro, and after retirement, working with the dental program at GTCC.
Work ethics and core values of faith, family, education, and service were instilled in Kay from an early age by her parents. As an adult, Kay was an active member of Sedgefield Presbyterian Church, the church she joined in 1961. There, she served as a Ruling Elder and played a significant role in outreach and homebound ministries. Her commitment was demonstrated through her consistent visits, heartfelt notes, and the thoughtful creation of goody baskets for the church’s homebound population. Kay also took the initiative to organize women's luncheons and regularly provided transportation for those unable to drive. In addition, Kay actively participated in the church’s Enrichment and Summer Lunch program each year and was a valuable member of fundraising efforts. Kay enjoyed being an active member of the adult Sunday School class. She always approached her church service with faith and compassion. Kay was a breast cancer survivor; her journey with breast cancer strengthened her faith. Kay supported Alzheimer’s Association fundraising events in memory of her mother who died from this disease.
Kay loved being Jonathan’s mother. She was an involved parent in his education and supported the activities he participated in, especially those at church and as a Cub and Boy Scout co-leader for his pack for many years. She was proud of his accomplishments that led to earning the Boy Scout’s Eagle Scout Award.
Kay enjoyed yard work, reading, and spending time with her family and extended family in her spare time. If there was an extended family gathering that involved making Lebanese food or eating it, Kay was there helping. She was proud of her Lebanese heritage. In 2022, a toy poodle puppy won her heart, and thus began the new hobby of spoiling Benji. (He now has a new forever home.)
In addition to demanding a lot of herself as a dentist, Kay was a kind person who had a big heart and a beautiful smile. She was a good listener. Kay may have been a person of few words, but those words were wise; she gave sound advice. Kay was a person of faith who felt God’s presence in her everyday life, and she was comfortable talking about it. She is greatly missed by all who loved her. For those wishing to honor her life, in lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s memory may be made to Sedgefield Presbyterian Church, 4216 Wayne Road, Greensboro NC 27407.
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