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Miss Merle LLoydine Perry , the beloved daughter and only child of the late Dr. Nelson Lloyd Perry and Mrs. Susie Vick Perry, was born on December 10, 1943 in Raleigh, North Carolina at Saint Agnes Hospital.
After completing her elementary education at Saint Monica’s Catholic School in Raleigh for eight years, she continued her studies at J.W. Ligon High School from the ninth through twelfth grades. She graduated as Valedictorian at both levels.
Following graduation from High School,in 1961, Lloydine moved to Washingron, DC where she attended Howard University and received both her Bachelor’s Degree (BA) and Master’s Degree (MA) in Music Education with a Minor in Piano. She was a master musician who was recognized as a child prodigy in music as early as Kindergarten. She started private piano lessons at age 5 under the tutelage of the Nuns at Saint Monica’s. She soon began organ lessons with an instructor from Peace College.
Having completed her university studies, Lloydine began her professional career as a Music teacher in the D.C. Public School System. She taught in that school system as an Elementary Vocal Teacher for more than eight years. While teaching, she became a member of the Music Educators National Conference. During this time she also served as Director and Pianist for the Inspirational Singers of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church.
In 1964 she was inducted as a member of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Washington. D. C. While in Washington, DC, Lloydine remained active in the sorority as a member of XI Omega and also as a member of XI Zeta Omega Chapter. She loved her AKA Sisterhood,
Lloydine returned home to Raleigh in April 1986 to care for her mother whose health had declined. She played the piano everyday to keep her skills well-honed. After her mother’s passing, Lloydine became pianist for Pilot Baptist Church in Raleigh. She remained with them for more than 26 years.
Merle Lloydine Perry was baptized and raised as a faithful member of First Baptist Church where her father, Dr. Perry, was a member of the Trustee Board, and her mother, Mrs. Susie Vick Perry, was a member of the Finance Committee. Although Lloydine was pianist for another church, Pilot Baptist Church, she still held firm to her love for First Baptist Church where she served on several committees. She was a faithful member of the Senior Ministry and played piano for them when needed. She derived great joy from being a member of the Church’s Handbell Choir.
As a child, Lloydine was a member of the Tots Choir and played piano for her choir and the Sunday School Departments, She was a faithful member of those ministries.
Having resettled at home in Raleigh, Lloydine joined the Alpha Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha , Inc. Her mother was a founding member of the chapter. After many years of membership, Lloydine became a Golden Soror with more than 50 years of service in Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc. She received recognition for 30 years of service in the Alpha Theta Omega Chapter. Later, she became a Lifetime Member of the Sorority. She was a dedicated pianist for the Chapter’s Choral Group. Lloydine was proud to reflect on the fact that , in her school years, she was Maid-of-Honor in the Alpha Theta Omega’s November 1960 Debutante Ball. She was also very proud to accept the Plaque when her mother, Mrs. Susie Vick Perry, was installed into Raleigh’s Hall of Fame.
Few knew that Lloydine was also a sports enthusiast. She loved watching football, baseball and basketball on TV day and night. She loved sports so much that whenever she and her parents vacationed, they had to attend the games of whatever Pro Team or Major League team was playing, The New York Yankees was her favorite team; she had a hard time deciding on her favorite basketball team. They were just so good. If a tall player made a spectacular dunk, she would call a friend, even after midnight, yelling “Child, did you see that play? WOW.”
She was a very caring and loving person who loved to laugh and faced life’s challenges head on without complaint. She adored her two cats, Jazzy and Oberon. They took their eternal rest a few years ago.
Lloydine leaves to cherish her memories, dedicated sister friends, church brothers and sisters in Christ, relatives, Sorority Sisters, and those who touched her life with love and compassion.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609.
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