Norma Perry

Norma Jean Brewer-Perry, affectionately known as "Ducky", was born on May 21st, 1931 to the late Albert Brewer Sr. and Marietta Miller-Ayers in Des Moines, Iowa. She was peacefully called by the Lord on May 1st, 2020.

Ducky was educated in the Des Moines Public School System and was a resident of Des Moines for eight-eight years. She was united in holy matrimony to Norman Lee Perry on September 25th, 1950. To this union, 2 children were born: Sherry Lee Perry Brewer and Keith Dwayne Perry.

She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and became a member of Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Seymour Gaines and Rev. Henry I. Thomas. In 1996, she joined Corinthian Baptist Church where Rev. Jonathan Whitfield is the Senior Pastor. She was involved in many church organizations and functions at both churches, including the choir, usher and mission boards, prime timers, and many others. Ducky was also known for being a part of the "kitchen ministry"- making her favorite dishes of greens and macaroni & cheese.

Ducky was a hard worker providing for her family. She loved learning, teaching, and had an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. In the early 1970's, she worked in the Des Moines Public School System as a home/school worker (known today as a social worker). Her mission was to always ensure that fairness and the best education be given to children. In the early 1980's, she operated her own in-home daycare and cared for many children who she lovingly called her own. And in later years, she followed the footsteps of her mother and joined the Foster Grandparent Program of Des Moines where they were blessed in giving 41 years of service divided between them.

She was always on the go. Her most favorite thing to do was to travel, and she did so in the U.S. and abroad. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. God blessed Ducky with a great family, lifelong friends, associates, and colleagues throughout her life. She always placed God first and was a servant to Him, and to her community. And she did so by keeping her home open to feed, clothe, counsel and minister to others who needed help. She will always be remembered as a strong, feisty, assertive woman who was also wise, caring, kind and loving.

Ducky was preceded in her death by her husband, Norman Lee Perry, father, Albert Brewer Sr. and mother, Marietta Miller-Ayers. She leaves to cherish her memory 2 children, Sherry Perry-Brewer of Brooklyn Park, MN and Keith Perry of Des Moines, IA; 8 grandchildren: Nickcole "Nikki" Bolden (Reginald) of Chicago, IL, DeMarco Brown (Deceased), Yalonda "Shawnee" Tate (Gary) of Maple Grove, MN, Robert "Shakir" Perry of Des Moines, IA, Amesa Jordan of Des Moines, IA, Brandy Jordan of Brooklyn Park, MN, Bret Jordan (Erin) of Robbinsdale, MN, Kourtney Perry of Des Moines, IA; 14 great-grandchildren: Shavone Jackson, Madison Tate, Olivia Tate, Naomi Bolden, Savion Johnson, Journee Perry-Harris, Savannah Johnson, Samira Johnson, Quinnlyn Tate, Naysa Jordan, Bryce Jordan and 3 great-grandchildren-(children of DeMarco Brown); 1 great great-granddaughter, Farrah Turner; 4 siblings: Albert "Hinky" Brewer Jr. of Des Moines, IA, Betty Forrester of Denver, CO, Beverly Spence (Rev. Darryl Spence Sr.) of St. Paul, MN, Robyn Brewer of St. Paul, MN; 1 brother in-law, Leonard Perry of Des Moines, IA; 1 sister in-law, Betty Lou Perry-Weaver of California. Ducky had 2 very close cousins, Rhoda Mae Stroud of Minneapolis, MN and Jennifer "Ginger" Rawley of Ellicott City, MD and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, special loved ones and many, many friends.

To Grandma Written by Nikki Bolden

God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be; So he put his arms around you, And whispered, "Ducky, come to me". With tearful eyes we let you go, And then you passed away; Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. Your loving heart stopped beating, Years of hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Thank you Grandma for being a part of our lives. We will forever love and miss you. Love, Your Grandchildren.

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