Olivia (Mention) Perry

Deaconess Olivia M. Perry, 78, of Middletown, beloved wife of the late Bobby J. Perry, was called home to rest on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. She was born on October 8, 1947, in Hemingway, South Carolina, to the late George and Bertha (Carr) Mention.

Deaconess Olivia was employed as a supervisor with the Department of Social Services in Middletown, Connecticut, for 36 years before retiring. She was an active and devoted member of Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served faithfully as a consecrated Deaconess, President of the Deaconess Board and as a Class Leader. She was also the founder of the Cross Street Annual Lois Brackett Gallaher Fashion Show.

A talented seamstress and entrepreneur, Olivia owned and operated several family businesses in Middletown alongside her husband, including Excellent Designs by Olivia, Perry’s Records, Perry’s Lunch, Perry’s Groceries, Perry’s Ice Cream and Perry’s Hot Foods. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, attending church, and, most of all, spending time with her family.  Olivia took great pride in her family roots and was instrumental in organizing and facilitating the Mention Family Reunion in Hemingway, South Carolina, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds across generations.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to her day-to-day support team—Nina, Amari, Carlena, and Leslie—who lovingly ensured she made it to her appointments and then took her to enjoy her favorite snack—a 3-piece extra crispy with a biscuit.
 

Olivia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin who loved her family unconditionally. She was cherished and admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Keith A. Perry, and her siblings, Jessie Mae Mention, George T. Mention, Josephine Williams, and Richard A. Mention.  She leaves to cherish her memory with her children: Barbara J. Perry of Red Lion, Pennsylvania; William (Sandra) D. Perry of El Paso, Texas; George (Leslie) W. Perry of Middletown, Connecticut; Terry A. Perry of Middletown, Connecticut; and Jessica O. Perry-Stevens (Zavier) of Palm Bay, Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Samuel Mention of Middletown, Connecticut; her sisters, Gracie Wright of Hemingway, South Carolina, and Min. Carol Moody of Wallingford, Connecticut; 16 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown, Connecticut.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Family and friends may call before the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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