Johnnie Ruth Perry

Johnnie Ruth Perry, nee James, born February 5, 1924 in Bennington, Oklahoma to Bill & Dovie James, passed away October 19, 2014 in Oklahoma City. A third generation Oklahoman, she was the oldest of 11 children. She was valedictorian of her Milburn High School graduating class and then graduated from Murray State College in 1943. After graduation, she moved to Oklahoma City and met the love of her life, Jack Perry, on a blind date. They were married November 15, 1946 and had a wonderful life. A self-made woman, she worked for Douglas Aircraft during WWII, Borden's and after over 20 years of service retired from TG&Y corporate offices. She was a faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church for over 61 years and was active in the Women's Circle, volunteered in the Boutique shop & with the mobile meals program. She was an avid genealogist and traveled to many court houses, libraries & cemeteries in search of family history. Her global travels included four Methodist mission trips as well as visiting most of the US states. Gardening was her passion and many benefited from her green thumb. Her tomatoes, loofa's and okra were highly sought after. She was a lifetime member of the Baptist Integris Hospital Volunteers and volunteered once a week for over 25 years. As a firm believer in the democratic electoral process, she voted in every presidential election; she loved God, her country, church and family. She was an amazing, tolerant, inspiring woman that was ahead of her time and will be profoundly missed. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Perry Pool; son-in-law, George Pool; grandchildren, Hilary Strickland, John Pool & Michelle Perry; great-granddaughter Caroline Strickland; sisters, June Derrick and Kay Hively; numerous loving nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack; son Don; parents; 4 sisters, and 3 brothers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Murray State College Foundation, One Murray Campus, Murray Hall-Suite 315, Tishomingo, OK 73460, in honor of Johnnie Ruth Perry. Viewing will be at Smith & Kernke, 23rd Street Thursday 9 a.m.-7p.m. with the family present from 5-7 p.m. and Friday at Wesley United Methodist Church at 1 p.m., prior to the funeral at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.