Carl Joy Perry

Carl Joy Harris Perry, 88, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

She was born on September 6, 1937, to Carl and Violette Harris in Louisburg, NC. She was proudly named after her father, and she carried a deep appreciation for family throughout her life. She also lived up to her middle name, Joy, bringing great joy and encouragement to those around her.

For 70 blessed years she stood beside her husband, Dr. Winston Gattis Perry, whom she deeply loved. Since their marriage on September 4, 1955, they built a life centered on their faith in Christ, love, family, and a shared calling to serve the Lord in ministry. Their marriage leaves a lasting example of commitment to their family and many others.

Carl Joy was a devoted mother to Keith and Kevin and found happiness in watching her family grow. She delighted in her grandchildren-Heath, Colin, Haley, Karleigh, Ella Lynd, and Aliza Joy-and in her great-grandchildren, Mayer and Violet Joy.

Carl Joy was the matriarch of her family who led by example through her unwavering faith, prayer, wisdom, kindness, and strength. Her home was always open and a family gathering place for deliciously made food, homemade biscuits, fudge, and cakes. No visit was complete without something sweet, usually chocolate, especially her 14-layer chocolate cake. Many memories and meals were shared around her table.

Carl Joy worked many years for the State of North Carolina in the Department of Health and Human Services, but always in support of her husband's time in seminary, ministry, and for the family. She was personally involved in ministry and serving others as a Sunday School teacher, Girls in Action leader, and mission trip leader. At Holloway Street Baptist Church in Durham, NC, Carl Joy was instrumental in starting and leading a deaf ministry, serving many years as a sign language interpreter. She was also a sign language interpreter for A Light Unto My Path, a Sunday morning TV show sponsored by the NC Baptists and WRAL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Violette Harris; her brother, Sherrill Harris; and her sister, Kay Satterwhite.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Winston Gattis Perry; her two sons and daughters-in-law, Winston Keith Perry (Debbie) and Carlton Kevin Perry (Alicia); her grandchildren, Winston Heath Perry (Mary Beth), Colin Harrison Perry (Summer), Haley Elizabeth Perry, Karleigh Hope Perry, Ella Lynd Perry, Aliza Joy Perry; and her great-grandchildren, Winston Mayer Perry and Violet Joy Perry. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jane Harris; her brother-in-law, Tarbie Satterwhite; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, March 13, at First Baptist Church of Garner. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A brief graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Flat Rock Baptist Church cemetery in Louisburg, North Carolina.

Those wishing to honor the memory of Carl Joy may send flowers or make a donation to the Vanderbilt Children's Diabetes Program, PO Box 290369, Nashville, TN 37229-0369.