Barbara J. Perry
May 3, 1929 - September 27, 2024
NORMAL — Barbara J. Perry, 95 of Bloomington-Normal passed away peacefully, Friday September 27, 2024, at Carle Bromenn in Normal surrounded by family and friends.
Barbara was born May 3, 1929, on the south side of Chicago and was the oldest of five children.
She is survived by her son Alan (Nancy) Perry of Rockford, IL, and David (Laurie) Perry and step grandson Jarvis Martin of Gilbert, Arizona, as well as her brother Robert (Judy) Johnson of Mason City, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Warren, her parents, Alden and Helen Johnson of Mason City, Iowa, her brothers, Bill Johnson of Jackson, MS, Bert Johnson of Mason City, Iowa, and sister Betty of Chicago, as well as her mother and father-in-law Seth and Elda Perry, and brother-in-law Jack (Donna) Perry.
Barbara always had a passion for learning and teaching. She graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1947. She always wanted to be a home economics teacher and obtained her degree from Stout State University, (now the University of Wisconsin, Stout) in Menominee, WI, graduating in 1951.
Her first teaching job was at Prairie Du Sac, WI, where she met a business education teacher. She and Warren were married on June 14, 1952. They were married thirty-five years until his passing in 1987. After moving to Normal, she continued teaching Home Economics at University High School and Metcalf Laboratory School, eventually retiring in 1985.
She had boundless energy. She was a charter member of the Professional Home Economist of McLean County, serving in various capacities, including President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and was a member of American Council on Consumer Interest, Illinois Consumer Education Association, Illinois Vocational Home Economics Teachers Association, District IV President of American Home Economics Association, Illinois State Annuitants Association, serving ten years as membership chair and director for four years, state membership chairman of the State Annuitants Association , University of Illinois, and member of Extension Council of McLean County. Barbara also served for years as a Judge for sewing and food competitions at the McLean County Fair. She also served many years as a civic newcomer's hostess, welcoming new families that relocated to the Bloomington-Normal area. For many years she worked with WCIA TV, Channel three in Champaign, helping conduct market research. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Normal.
Barbara was a world traveler. She traveled to Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand and her infectious laugh was known the world over. She continued her passion throughout her life always seeking new food recipes and making many of her own dresses and clothes. She always wanted the best for everyone and kept in touch with many of her former students. Barbara was a diehard Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs Fan and a lifelong Illinois State University Redbird Supporter.
There will be a funeral service for Barbara on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington. Reverend Kathy King-Nobles will officiate. Her interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watertown, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara asked that donations be made to the Illinois State University Foundation Professor Warren S. and Barbara J. Perry Scholarship Fund or the University of Wisconsin State-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin College of Education Scholarship Fund.
Barbara was once asked how she knew so many people, and she said it was a reward for a well lived life and that perfectly sums up her life.
Online condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com .
