Elinor Ann Perry's Obituary
Elinor Ann was born June 13, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the eldest of two daughters born to Clara Pauline and Arthur Blackwell. Elinor accepted Christ at the age of thirteen and united with the Progressive Community church. She began teaching Sunday school at this age and continued until she was married and moved to Ohio. Elinor attended Community College and then transferred to and graduated from Chicago Teachers College. She spent a lifetime career in education inspiring the youngest minds as a kindergarten teacher. Her love for young children and the belief that all children can learn with determination, love, understanding and proper instruction led her to a long career as a dedicated classroom teacher, rather than one of the many administrative positions that were offer to her. After converting to Catholicism, she met and was united in holy matrimony to Leonard Charles Perry on June 25, 1949. Three children were blessed to this union: Valorie Ann, Pamela Ellen and Leonard Charles Jr. She began her teaching in Cleveland, Ohio where she taught for sixteen years. In the summer of 1970, Elinor and Leonard moved the family to San Diego, California. She was a teacher with the San Diego Unified School District for nineteen years. Elinor was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a Golden Soror, Women, Inc., Carrousels, Set, Couples Club Inc., several bridge clubs and many civic organizations. She was a devoted mother and a constant source of love and guidance. On Sunday, July 26, 2015, Elinor passed from this world. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband of 66 years, Len “Teedie,” daughters Valorie Ashley and Pam Perry Smal (Frank), a son “Chip” Perry, sister Clara Doss, her daughter Paula Doss, grandchildren Kym M. Tharpe, Tiffany Nicole Tharpe, Kaylen Cimone “KC” Perry, Leonard Charles Perry III “Chaz,” Nicholas Smal (Erin), great-grandchildren Nacio DeLeon Tharpe, Lilian Eve Smal, Audra Elizabeth Smal, loving nieces and nephews, beloved close extended family, and a host of endeared friends…all of whom Elinor held in her heart with a deep embrace.
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