Thurston Lee Perry, Sr. was born on February 2, 1943, in Madison County, Tennessee. He was the oldest son to J. L Perry, Sr. and Willie Mae Harden. He was raised by his maternal grandmother, Rosie L. Lee (Mommo). On Monday, June 3, 2024, surrounded by his family, he traded his earthly home for his heavenly home.
He accepted Christ at an early age at Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church. Years later, he joined Ezekial Baptist Church where he remained until his health failed. Thurston had a love for music and would often find himself as the worship leader of the church.
He was educated in the Madison County School System. As an entrepreneur, he could often be seen managing several convenient stores, with later running his own and catering for the Miss Tennessee Pageant for over 40 years.
He was eager to provide for his family and later became a licensed electrician. He would also find himself building HUD homes in the community. In 2000, Thurston began working with Habitat for Humanity as the Building Coordinator, during this tenure, he’s had a helping hand in building over 70 homes. Those homes can still be seen around the West Tennessee area. Whatever he could find his hand to do, he would do it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, two sons, Patrick Perry, Adrian Brown; one daughter, Beverly House; five sisters, Sharon L. Ross, Linda Sowell, Willene Rice, Patricia Cole, Lula Mae Perry; three brothers, Murray W. Harden, J.L Perry, Jr., Curtis Hardin; one grandson, Antonio Perry and a host of aunts and uncles.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 50 years, Marva L. Perry; four sons, Maurice (Jennifer) Brown, Andre (Penny) Brown, DeWayne (Lametrice) Dodd, Tony (Tracy) Redd, Thurston (Tiffany) Perry, Jr.; four daughters, Byanker (Phillip) Cole, Shareese (Dewayne) Daniels, Tenna (Greg) Brown and Kim Redd-Chatman; 28 grandchildren, a plethora of great and great great grandchildren; four sister, Mary Ann Flentroy, Luretha (Louis) Jacob, Kenya (Michael) Porter, Diane (Kenneth) Anders; four brothers, Harold (Elizabeth) Harden, Kenneth (Valerie) Harden, Billy (Mary) Perry, Kenneth (Danita) Beard, Sr.; one aunt, Cleora Womack- Wash, two sister in-laws Carolyn Cathey and Marilyn Graves and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and dear friends
