Ann Alford Perry

Ann Alford Perry, 87, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2025. She was born in Johnston County to the late Millard Bryant and Ora Lee Parrish Alford and was married to the late Billy Barbee Perry. Ann leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Ann was a graduate of Wendell High School. She was employed for several years with Kayser-Roth, Burlington Industries and Glen Raven Mills. In 2007, she retired from the Mt. Zion Baptist Association after 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. Ann most recently was employed by Alamance Community College where she taught the non-English population to read and write the English language.

She volunteered in many capacities including Hospice, teaching nonreaders, hosting Bingo games, hosting activities for the deaf and blind, passing out cups of cold water and changing baby diapers at the county fair and street festivals, as well as various activities at many rest homes.

Ann received the Commercial award in high school, Volunteer of the Year for the N.C. Baptist State Convention Literacy Program, Church and Community Ministries Team Leader for N.C. through the Baptist State Convention, Volunteer of the Year for the Alamance/Orange Prison Ministry, and was recognized by Governor Hunt for service to humanity.

She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, joining the church in 1978, and served in several different capacities to all ages ranging from the youngest to the oldest such as former Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Opening Assembly Leader, finance committee, WMU Director, Mission Friends Leader, and Church Training Leader. Ann also faithfully served the Mt. Zion Baptist Association as WMU director, Acteen leader and Co-Consultant for Missions Involvement which consisted of various projects like picnics for the deaf and blind, as well as prison ministry.

She truly embodied the spirit of compassion, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to bring comfort and support to others along with her missionary work that allowed her to spread joy and hope to those in need.

Ann's family, her pride and joy, include her daughter, Donna Knighten (Terry) of Ridgeway, VA; son, David Perry (Donna) of Snow  Camp; five grandchildren, Vicki Wood (Jesse) of Snow Camp, Justin Knighten (Becky) of Rockingham, VA; Barbee Jeschke (Brett) of Fairfax, VA, Amanda Martin (Kevin) of Graham, and Caleb Knighten of Martinsville, VA; eleven great grandchildren, Jesse and Jase Wood, Molly, Jack and Hannah Knighten, Liam, Zoe, Arielle and Lucy Jeschke, and Tucker and Bowen Knighten; brother, Tony Alford of Wendell; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Alford.

A service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, at 2:00 PM at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by pastors, Andy Clapp and Terry Knighten (her son-in-law) with burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00PM-8:00 PM Tuesday November 18th, at Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will be available to receive friends at the home of her son, David Perry, 158 E. Greensboro-Chapel Hill Rd. in Snow Camp, Sunday Nov. 16 th from 1:00PM - 5:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Mission:Dignity P.O. Box 819109, Dallas, TX 73381-9109 or online at www.guidestone.org/mission-dignity. This program assists retired Southern Baptist ministers, workers, and their widows.

While we will miss the physical presence of Ann in our lives, we find comfort in our faith, knowing that her vibrant spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. She will remain in our hearts and memories as a source of love, laughter, and an example of unwavering devotion.