Nicholas Boyd Perry, Jr.

I see the countless Christmas Trees, around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting in the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear many Christmas songs, that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare, with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart. I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place. Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face? I'll ask Him to lift your spirit as I tell Him of your love. So then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above. Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing, for I am spending Christmas in heaven and I'm walking with the King. Nicholas Boyd Perry, Jr., arrived on July 23, 1992, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Better known to family and friends as “Nick”, he grew up in the Griffith Town community. Nick attended New Bethel Baptist Church every Sunday under the pastorate of Dr. Issac Mwase and was involved with the youth ministries of the church. His favorite activities were Vacation Bible School and Christmas Programs. He attended Peake Elementary, Goza Jr. High and was a 2010 graduate of Arkadelphia High School, where he excelled as an athlete. Nick was a lover of sports and music. His favorite song was “Love is Pain” by artist Lil Boosie and Nick always quoted ”They said I would never make it to the top, because I came from the bottom.” Nick was that cool, laid-back friend who was in tune with the latest trends of the 21st century. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger. In his 18th season, Nick surrendered his soul on Friday, December 24, 2010; and now he is present with the Lord. Family, as well as friends, will miss his quiet strength, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and compassion. He lived life to the fullest, and there was never a dull moment when Nick was around. Nick was welcomed to his eternal home by: his grandparents, Billy Joe Perry, Leodis and Versie Gleason and his great-grandparents. Those left to forever cherish his love, sense of humor and laughter are: his loving mother, Joyce Ann Perry of Arkadelphia, his loving father and step-mother, Nicholas, Sr. and Freda Perry of Arkadelphia; two brothers, Jermaine Jefferson of Maumelle, AR, and Adavion Perry of Arkadelphia; two sisters, Denise Perry, J’layiah Perry both of Arkadelphia; his caring grandmother who loved him unconditionally, Mrs. Corine Perry of Arkadelphia; and his generous aunt who was always there for him, Tamara Perry of Arkadelphia. He considered them all the most important people in his life. He also leaves a step-brother Jakahari Howell of Arkadelphia; a step-sister Jamiah Brumfield of Arkadelphia; his god-sister Martika Roberts of Arkadelphia; his aunts, Betty Pollins of Michigan, Ruby Perry, Annie Perry, Doris Gleason all of Arkadelphia, Venda Faye Turner of Malvern, and Shasta Wiggins of Hot Springs, AR; his uncles Edwin Perry and Billy Perry both of Arkadelphia; his great aunt Ruby McClellan. He also leaves several cousins – his favorites who were Shacole Turner and Ayesha McClure, his best friends Jafari Robinson and Shaunterio Smith, other friends and his graduating class of 2010. “Nick” will lie in repose at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The family will greet friends and share with them the Images of Life DVD from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Gennesaret Baptist Church. The last farewell will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 16th & Caddo Streets where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Rev. G. Douglas Marshall, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, will deliver a message of hope and comfort. The committal service and final resting place will be in Piney Grove Cemetery. The active bearers will be Brandon Johnson, Earl Waddell, Jahrel Jones, Rodney Bragg, Chase Scoggins, and Dominique Johnson. The honorary bearers of the casket will be Jafari Robinson, Zykeea Todd, Shaunterio Smith, LeDarius Hayes, Brian Crockett, Lathon Crawford, Xavior Crawford, Xavier Todd and Mariel Banks. Floral attendants will be the young ladies of the 2010 AHS graduating class. The family wishes to thank Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. and the members of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for hosting the celebration services for Nick and also Rev. Fredrick Smith and the members of Gennesaret Baptist Church for their hospitality.