Georgia Allen Perry

Georgia Allen Perry was born at home in Vossburg, Mississippi on January 13, 1933, to parents Peter and Alice Sanders. She grew up with 10 siblings, Rebecca, Millie, Eloise, James Ira (PJ), Frank, Ollie Lee, Moses, Melvin, Mattie and Frankie in the segregated East Central region of Mississippi where she attended Enterprise School. Her first church was a Baptist church that she and her siblings walked a mile on a dusty dirt road to get to. In addition to serving as a nurturing big sister to her younger siblings, she worked as a farmhand and later as a cook. As a young woman Georgia met Lawrence Perry, whom she later married.

In 1965 Georgia made the brave decision to leave Mississippi with her 6 kids, Milton, Joseph, Georgia, James, Ethel and Marvin for Portland, Oregon to live near her elder sister, Millie and their mother, Alice. In Portland she gave birth to her youngest child, Angela. Georgia was a dedicated provider to her 7 children, often working 7 days a week and making sure they had a hot meal each day. Georgia was a phenomenal cook whose yams, dressing and greens, etc. highlighted her deeply Southern roots. During her early years in Portland, Georgia enjoyed good times listening to soul music with a tight circle of friends, including Ms. Arlene and Ms. Bebe.

Georgia worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, holding various positions in housekeeping, catering, and laundry. She worked at the now renamed Sheraton Motor Inn on Portland’s eastside, and then at the historic Benson Hotel for more than 20 years. Her tenure at the Benson Hotel included working alongside some of her children for whom she helped to secure jobs.

After retirement, Georgia rededicated her life to Christ and joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church with her sister Eloise. The sisters also purchased a home together with Eloise’s daughter, Betty Sanders. She took pride in homeownership and enjoyed sharing a home with the two.

Georgia had a special closeness with her Oregon grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a large part of their upbringing. Her home was the gathering place where they could drop in anytime, feel welcomed and loved.

Geogia enjoyed traveling to be with her family. She attended Sanders family reunions in Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, California and Washington D.C. She spent her summer vacations in Los Angeles, California at the home of her son James and his wife Racheal. She cherished the summer moments with her California granddaughters. During these LA summer vacations she also enjoyed spending timewith and making memories with her brother Moses and his wife Laura Sanders; her brother Melvin and his wife Sandy Sanders and the cherished nieces and nephews her brothers were raising. Some might say she was their favorite auntie.

Georgia spent her last years at Allen Fremont Plaza in Northeast Portland where she was one of the eldest residents. She lived next door to her sister Mrs. Millie Jo McSwain and her best friend Ms. Victoria Gray. For years her neighbors looked forward to the Saturday meals she prepared and shared with anyone in the building in addition to her delicious homemade contributions to potlucks and celebrations. It has been said that many residents called Georgia “Mom” because she filled that role for them.

Georgia was a quilter who sewed treasured “tv wraps” for her loved ones. She also sewed precious aprons, pillow covers, and potholders for her family and friends. Georgia kept her mind sharp with word find puzzles and her spirit strong by reading the Bible and listening to gospel music.

After Georgia left True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, as a Mother of the Church, she attended Life Change Church where she enjoyed the praise and worship, sermons of Pastor Strong and other pastors.

Georgia loved spending quality time and visiting the homes of her daughters, Georgia, Ethel and Angela, riding around the city and visiting the beach with her son Joe, attending church with her son James and cooking with her son Marvin.

She was a loyal sister, supportive aunt, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, and cherished great grandmother. In each of these roles she shared quiet wisdom and unconditional love that helped shape the lives of those around her.

Georgia Perry was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 29, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents: Alice Shay and Peter Sanders, son: Milton Sanders, siblings: Rebecca Walker, Millie Jo McSwain, Eloise Sanders, James Ira (PJ) Sanders, Frank Sanders, Ollie Lee Sanders and Moses Sanders.

Living on her prayers are her siblings: Melvin Sanders, Mattie Porchia, Frankie Blakely, children: Joseph Perry, Georgia Clash, James and wife Racheal Perry, Ethel Perry, Marvin Perry, Angela Perry, grandchildren: Ebony and husband James Lea, Asha True, Marlon (Ken) Clash, Shawn Perry, Lashay Marion, Chanel Perry, Phillip Bailey, Whitney Rogers, Austin Minnieweather, Danielle Perry, Cheyenne (CJ) Lopez, great-grandchildren: Denasia Bacote, Samaya Morgan, Mariana Clash, Jazmin Perry, Jordan Perry, Justin Perry, and Havana Dawes.

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