Katherine Long Perry

Franklin, NC - Katherine Long Perry, age 84, of Porter Street, Franklin, NC, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in an Asheville hospital. She was a native of the Prentiss Community of Macon County, the daughter of the late Erwin Wesley Long and Zoah Dowdle Long. She was married for 49 years to Victor Horn Perry, who passed away in 1997. She retired from the Social Studies Department of Franklin High School after a long career of teaching. She spent the War years at Women’s College of Greensboro, NC, then returned to Franklin in 1946 to begin teaching. She then married Victor Horn Perry. After retirement she helped her husband manage Perry’s Drug Store. She was a member of the Retired Teachers of Macon County, a Charter and longest living member of Ladies Auxilliary of the Franklin VFW. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, and served as treasurer of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class. She was a Charter member of Macon County Historical Society and spent many hours preparing "Macon County Heritage’ for publishing. She served as a volunteer and Board Member of the Society as long as her health permitted.

She is survived by two daughters, Martha Tallent and her husband Douglas of Asheville, NC, Carolyn Perry Burst and her husband Joseph of Knoxville, TN; one son, Victor Horn Perry, Jr.,and his wife Margaret of Franklin, NC; one sister, Carolyn Long Stephens of Lumberton, NC; five grandchildren, Joshua and Joseph Tallent of Asheville, NC, Winton Burst of Knoxville, TN, Miranda Manley and Erin Kimsey both of Franklin, NC. Three nieces, Carolyn Watson of Red Springs, NC, Beth Nicholson and Susie Perry Ledford both of Franklin, NC, Special caregiver and friend, Violet Pannell. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Perry Rollow and a brother, Elmo Long.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21st at 3:00pm at First United Methodist Church, with Dr. John Fowler officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Josh Tallent, Joseph Tallent, Winton Burst, Adam Nicholson, Andrew Nicholson, and Rocky Pattillo.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00, prior to the service Saturday at the Church. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison Avenue, Franklin, NC 28734 or to the Macon County Historical Society, 36 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.