Shirley Perry Sealey

Shirley Jeanette (Perry) Sealey, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026. Born on August 13, 1935, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Jack and Minnie (Hayes) Perry.

She is survived by her husband, Linwood (Jerry) Sealey Sr, her children, Jeanne Sealey Wilson (Chuck) and Linwood Sealey Jr (Laurie); her grandchildren, Holly Lee (Jason), Crystal Braxton (Brian), Emmet Bagwell (Kelsey), Jerry Sealey, Jacob Sealey, Patricia Sealey, Kelly Davis and Josh Washburn. Her great-grandchildren, Holden, Chase, Callie, Parys, Addison, Cullen, Hazel, LJ, Candance, EvaMarie, Eli, Dallas, Meredith, Kale and Zoe. Her sister, Barbara Guiterez.

In addition to her parents, Jack Perry and Minnie Perry, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Maevelle McNally.

Shirley graduated from Broughton HS in Raleigh NC. She married Jerry in 1956, recently celebrating 70 years together in January. She began her career at DMV in Raleigh, discontinuing work outside of the house for a while to care for her family. She earned a Nursing Assistant certificate at Wake Tech and was employed at Dorothea Dix Hospital. Later working at Ralston Purina, Amity Leather and Buffalo Storage.

She was strong, independent and talented, sewing as both her hobby and passion. Being extremely talented in that area, self-taught, making and altering all types of clothing for her family and friends. She also enjoyed decorating her home, making and selling crafts and traveling. She was a loving and giving person and an involved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She was a PTA President and Girl Scout Leader when her children were in school. She cared for her senior friends and family members through the years, taking them to the grocery store, physician appointments and visiting them while either homebound or in nursing facilities. Shirley has had many special friends through the years while living in Cary and Clayton and currently in the Garner area, residing in various Independent Senior Complexes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Transitions Life Care (Trinity Road) of Raleigh in appreciation for their wonderful care over the past month.

If we could only speak to her, and hold her loving hand,

No matter what we said or did, I know she'd understand.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Shirley's life will be held on February 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Montlawn Memorial Park.