Search by Name

Search by Name

Mary Louise January Perry

1940 - 2020

Mary Louise January Perry obituary, 1940-2020, Chicago, IL

Mary Perry Obituary

(January 8, 1940 - May 18, 2020)

Mary Louise January Perry was born January 8, 1940 in Vicksburg, MS to the union of Mary and Riley January. Mary was a special child because she was named after her mother Mary and born on her Father's birthday, January 8. She was truly blessed. She was the 5th child of 15.

She peacefully departed this world on May 18, 2020 at her home in Chicago where five of her siblings took care of her 24 hours a day in rotating shifts since April 18, 2020. She loved that her sisters and brothers pampered her. She said they took care of her much better than they did when she was in the hospital in June of 2019.

When Mary was 13 years old, the family moved from Vicksburg, MS to Zion, IL. She became active in Church Choirs in the Zion area. She loved singing for the lord. She was the lead singer for the January Sisters' Trio. Which consisted of Lois, Mary, and Addie. They sang on the radio WKRS, WBBM, and Moody Institute Broadcast. She was involved in stage plays with the Booker T. Washington Club of Zion, IL and Kenosha Hall Center. She appeared in "The Alabaster Box" where she played Mary Magdalene & Mary the Mother of Jesus. At the Parkway Garden Community Theater in Chicago she played Mudea in "Black Girl". She was the commentator for Dave Drazin, Chicago Access TV. She toured with Oscar Brown Jr's Opportunity Please Knock Cast appearing on the Smothers' Brothers T.V. Show in California. She appeared in various films, V.I. Warshasky, Curly Sue, Home Alone Part II, Mo Money, and The Fugitive.

Mary was a vocalist, musician, and a songwriter. She wrote and performed the following songs, Pretending Love, You Make My Day, Sweet Vibrations/Tingling Sensation, I need an understanding man, Mama don't be lonely, Run Grandma Run, You're So Accusatious, and a Love Gone Bad. All songs are copyrighted at the Library of Congress. You may listen to her song on You-tube by searching her song titles and Mary Jan Music.

Mary graduated from Zion Benton High School in 1959. She trained at the Chicago conservatory of Music for voice, Depaul University for piano, Old town School of Folk Lord Music and Kalal Music Studio for Guitar, and Chicago Theatre Connection for Acting.

She worked for the City of Chicago for 31 years until her retirement in 1998.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories 6 sisters, Lois Parker, Addie Culumn, Ann Howell, Gerri (Thomas) Mercer, Lynda (Johnny) Wells, Sheila January-Fort, 3 brothers, Riley January, John (Eunice) January, and Paul January. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Riley and Mary January, brothers Charles and Benny January, and sister Shirley Pratt.

A memorial service of Mary's Life will be held at a later date.

Published by News Sun from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Perry

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Rest in Heaven Sister Mary Love You!

Sheila January-Fort

Family

June 17, 2020

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Mary Perry's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Perry

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Mary's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Perry's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more