Betty Jo Perry

June 15, 1935 - May 24, 2020

Betty Jo Simmons Perry, age 84, of Richlands, Virginia, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020 in a Roanoke, Virginia hospital. She was born in Raven, Virginia and was the daughter of the late John A. and Amanda Pearl Whited Simmons. Her children said it best: “Raven black hair, deep blue eyes….Beautiful soul inside, a reflection of her outward beauty…married the most handsome man in town…a mother when still just a baby herself…raised all five kids with a loving hand…jam for us all, after sending us out with pails to do the picking…dinner always on the table, fit for a king….raising a garden, each one a turn with the hoe and seeing who could collect the most “tater bugs”…Christmas was always special, a real tree, a perfect gift for each of us underneath….Days in summer, filled with picnics on the Clinch, or visits with family, cousins-n-all…Saturday morning westerns, the beginning of our weekends…Thursday drives in the country, through the Cove and all around….childhood memories, blessed with the Mother who taught us honesty and integrity in her daily walk in life….holding the family together, all her doing, the one that connects us all..” In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William H. “Bill” Perry, Jr.; one son, Gordon Perry; Grandchild, Matthew Perry; Great Grandchild, Brandon Brooks; several brothers and sisters. Survivors Are: Daughters: Rhonda Perry of Richlands, Virginia Cynthia Gwaltney and husband, Bruce of Fredericksburg, Virginia Sons: John S. Perry of Martinsburg, WV Danny C. Perry and wife, Ana of Martinsburg, WV Dennis C. Perry of Richlands, Virginia Brother: Jim Simmons and wife, Emogene of Richmond, Virginia Grandchildren: Amanda Gwaltney and husband, David Brooks; Benjamin Gwaltney and wife, Stephanie; Steve Hamro, III and wife, Isabel; Chance Hamro; Daniel Perry and wife, Ashley; Leif Perry; Devin Perry; Braun Perry; and Therese Perry Great Grandchildren: Ella Hamro; Bailey Brooks; Brooke Walker; Mattie Gwaltney; Alex Perry; Jacob Perry; Madilynn Perry; and Ainsley Perry Great-Great Grandchild: Willa Walker A private graveside service for Betty Perry will be conducted at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Rod Tkach officiating. Burial will follow. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com