Iona Bass Perry

Mrs. Iona Bass Perry, 85, of Huntersville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Sampson County, NC on January 23, 1927, the daughter of the late Reddin B. and Lillie Averitt Bass who moved their large family to Durham, NC when she was very young and that is where she lived, married James Faison Perry and had five children. Mr. and Mrs. Perry moved to Charlotte, NC in 1969. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 at the funeral home. Mrs. Perry is survived by her husband of 68 years, James Faison Perry. Theirs was a bond of love that survived the test of time and he took care of her until her last breath on Valentines Day. Also surviving are their five children, three daughters, Sheila Smith and her husband Graham of Lake Norman, NC, Gwen Sexton and her husband Larry of Harrisburg, NC, and Gayla Harris and her husband Joseph of Cornelius, NC; two sons, James Faison Perry, Jr. and his wife Dorothy of Smithfield, VA, and Kenneth Perry and his wife Jeanette of Gastonia, NC; one sister; Mrs. Faye Maynor of Lynchburg, VA, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers and six sisters. Mrs. Perry loved her family enormously and was blessed with a very strong Christian faith that guided her through life. With her husband Faison, they raised five children. She was a wonderful Mother, and excellent cook who always had a wonderful meal on the table. When she wasn't working outside the home or in her kitchen you could find her outside gardening and caring for her flowers. She took great pride in creating a lovely home and garden in each place she lived. People passing by her home would slow down to view her flowers. She loved having her family together and had family members bring their guitars for sing-alongs. In earlier years she enjoyed round dancing with her husband. She had a great sense of humor and would throw her head back with a laugh that would make you smile. She never met a stranger and would spend time talking with everyone she came in contact with. She was a memorable lady that heaven will welcome with open arms. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com