Gerri Baker Perry, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on January 26, 2022.

She was a native of Bertie County and was the daughter of the late John Braxton Williford and Lessie Castellow Williford. Gerri grew up in Windsor, NC and enjoyed an amazing childhood with seven brothers, two sisters, and a large extended family.

In 1943, she met and married John Calvin Baker, Sr. a handsome, young soldier from Portsmouth, VA. They were married for forty-six years until his death in 1989. In 1995, she had the good fortune to have a second chance at happiness and married Robert Elsworth Perry. They were married for five years until his death in 2000.

Gerri graduated from Windsor High School and received her Associate of Arts degree from Beaufort County Community College. She received her Bachelors degree from East Carolina University and completed her Masters degree by attending summer sessions at Duke University, Rutgers University and the University of North Carolina. Gerri worked for Roanoke-Chowan Human Services and retired in 1989. She began as a Substance Abuse Counselor in the Windsor office and later moved to the Wiccacon Substance Abuse Facility. She provided counseling services to clients from four counties and served as a court liaison in each of the county court systems. Gerri was known for her cheerful outlook and upbeat personality and was fondly referred to as “the smiles and sunshine lady.” She was passionate about her work and helped many people on their road to recovery.

She loved to travel domestically and internationally, and she took great pride in accomplishing her goal of visiting all fifty states. She also took immense pride in visiting countless casinos along the way.

While living in Windsor, Gerri was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church and later a member of Cashie Baptist Church. After moving to Raleigh, she became a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In later years, she was a faithful follower of the Hayes Barton Baptist Church TV Ministry.

She will be remembered most for her kindness and devotion to her children, family and friends. She loved and cherished these relationships above all.

Gerri is survived by her children, John C. Baker, Jr. of Wrightsville Beach, Margaret Perry (Scott) of Raleigh and Joanie Weeks of Youngsville; three grandchildren, Brian Weeks of Wilmington, Leslie Ott of Wilmington and Matthew Perry (Alesia) of Charlotte; five great-grandchildren, Benjamin Weeks, Booker Weeks, Cody Ott, Margot Perry and Sloane Perry; sister, Mae Adams; brothers, Jimmy Williford (Barbara), Jack Williford (Edith); sister-in-law, Dorothy Clark Williford; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caring staff members at Sunrise of North Hills, Wake Medical Center and Hillcrest at Crabtree Valley. We would also like to thank her personal caregivers Helen Bryant, Natasha Waldon, and Marie Banks for their love and support.

A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hayes Barton Baptist Church TV Ministry at 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608. Or by visiting this link: Hayes Barton Baptist Church (online giving).