Phyllis Geraldine Williford Baker Perry

July 13, 1927 - January 26, 2022

Obituary For Phyllis Geraldine Williford Baker Perry

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).

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Condolences

February 06, 2022

Miles Davis

I wish to send my sympathy to the family. Gerri and John help me in my early career and I missed her when she moved. She always had a positive attitude. Miles Davis, Bertie County
February 05, 2022

Wes Snead

My deepest sympathies to all of Gerri's family. Gerri was always the sweetest neighbor. I will always remember her warm smile which would make you feel special. Wes Snead
January 29, 2022

Joan Leggett

Gerri has really been missed since she moved away. She was such a beautiful Christian and a ray of sunshine to everyone she came in contact with, always willing to help in any circumstances. My prayers and thoughts are with you and may God give you comfort as you enjoy such wonderful memories. God bless you each and every one. Joan Leggett, Windsor, NC
January 29, 2022

Rhonda Hoffman

Margaret, Joanie, John, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember when I took Gerri home from Matt's engagement party, and we got lost. I needed Gerri's help, but she just smiled and laughed. I joined right in with her. Another fond memory was when we were at the beach together. She was always so upbeat and happy. There was never a time I saw her that she was not smiling, so happy and positive, and beautiful both in and out. My memories are fond and my heart is sad.
January 28, 2022

Tim Bonney

Dear John, Margaret and Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss but am glad she is not suffering any more. She was one of the kindest and sweetest persons I have ever known. I have so many fond memories of my visits to your home in Windsor. Her good cooking, her strawberry preserves, learning to water ski with her brother Jack, fishing with "Little John" and so much more....tying tobacco with your grandmother. The first time I came Elvis Presley had just released "Love Me Tender". I knew Uncle Jack was known for playing the piano by ear but didn't know quite what it meant. He had not heard it and asked me the words. I cannot carry a tune. But in my flat off key voice I sang it for him and he magically transformed into a great reproduction. I will miss your mother very much as I know you will. I stand with you in your sorrow but we all know she is in a much better place. Love to you all, Tim