Mattie Agnes Perry
was born in 1927 to Wade Hampton Ray and Thelma Stevens Ray in Tahoka
TX. She passed away June 30, 2017 in Mesa AZ at 89 years of age. She was preceded in death
by Delbert Wayne Perry, her husband; Kenneth Wayne Perry, her son; and Charles Perry Smith,
a great-grandson. She is survived by three daughters: Linda Barcom and husband Gary of Payson AZ, Barbara
Davidson and husband Ken of Payson AZ, and Carolyn Smith and husband David of Mesa AZ.
She has 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Mattie was in the eighth grade when her family moved to Pie Town NM to homestead. She grew
up in Pie Town and it was there she met Delbert Perry. They were married 48 years from July 3,
1946 until Delbert’s death in December, 1994.
Delbert and Mattie moved to Chandler AZ in 1949 where they raised their family. Mattie was a
devoted wife and mother and excellent homemaker. That was her life’s vocation and she
performed it well raising three capable daughters and always having the complete confidence of
her husband. Taking a passage from the Bible; “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their
behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they
may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible,
pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not
be dishonored.” Mattie learned these principles and taught them by her example to the
generations following her.
She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Mexico Christian
Children’s Home, 1356 NM Hwy 236, Portales NM, 88130.
Services will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 10:00am at Church of Christ 445 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler, Arizona