Mr. Cornelius Perry Jr.

Cornelius Perry, Jr. was born on November 28, 1924 to the late Cornelius Perry and Gertrude Nicholson in Franklin County, North Carolina. Cornelius, at 101 years old, was the last of his siblings to transition into eternal rest. Cornelius was raised in a nurturing and loving home along with his brothers and sisters: John Perry, Alonzo “Buster” Perry, Thelma Singletary, and Delores Smith. Cornelius has deep spiritual roots in the Gospel Spreading Church of God from childhood, which grew into a life devoted to Christ. He was ordained as a deacon on May 13, 1973 at the Washington, DC Gospel Spreading Church of God and served as the Deacon Board Chairman, spanning decades. Cornelius joined the United States Navy on August 5, 1943 becoming a Machinist’s Mate S Third Class. He received an honorable discharge on May 5, 1946. Anyone who knew him was aware of the wisdom, knowledge and leadership that he carried in every career. Cornelius was denied acceptance into drafting school because of segregation but transformed that into “good trouble” by defying the US military’s mess hall rules when he sat in the “white only” areas and spoke up when injustice was present. Yet, justice was served on April 3, 2026 when the US Navy presented Cornelius with an award honoring him for his service to the United States for advancing universal hope of freedom and liberty for all. Cornelius did not allow his time or talents to be idle. Following his military service, he worked for the US Postal Service (USPS) and owned an upholstery business. Upon his retirement from the USPS, he worked for the Washington, DC Gospel Spreading Church through his late 90’s. Anyone who knew Cornelius was well aware of his keen sense of style, his encouraging smile, and wise counsel. He minced no words and always spoke truth wrapped in love. Cornelius loved puzzles, reading books, studying the Bible, and spending time with his family, which was always his most important responsibility and joy. His marriage to Lucille Scott on June 21, 1947 produced three sons: Kenneth, Michael, and Paul. Michael’s time with Cornelius and Lucille was a brief two months before his passing. However, their time was fondly spent enjoying time with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Cornelius did not have any birth daughters, but through the marriages of Kenneth and Paul he gained two daughters whom he loved as his own: Edith and Elnora. Cornelius was so proud of his sons and his four grandchildren: LeWan Jones (Elex), Lisa Prandy (Chico), La’Tina Arrington (Saeed), and Lennell Perry (Brooks). He was equally marveled by his 11 great-grandchildren: Khalil, Azanaa, Zoie, Kaia, Caiden, Averi, Alex, Tate, Elliot, Theo, and Everett. After 41 years of marriage, Lucille’s time with Cornelius on earth came to an end in 1988. He later married Eloise Roseboro, who gave him 22 wonderful years before her passing. From this marriage, he is survived by Tracie Craddox and her children: Zachary, Fotios, and Lazaria. Cornelius also leaves a legacy to a host of nieces, nephews, and sons and daughters whom he took on and treated with the same admiration and respect that he gave his own children. He will always be remembered as a gentle giant in the eyes of us all.

Tributes

Mr. Cornelius Perry Jr.

November 28, 1924 - April 7, 2026