Bessie Mae Perry

Bessie Mae Speer Perry, 87, of Little Rock, passed away November 18, 2020. Born in Wynne, Arkansas to John and Bessie Mae Johnson Speer, she was a member of Ironton Baptist Church. Bessie retired from Herbst Shoe Company where she developed a love for collecting shoes.  She loved and was a member for years of Golden Travelers, and especially loved fried chicken and catfish.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John M. Perry, Sr., siblings, John Speer and Barbara Wood, and son-in-law, Joel Rinke.  She is survived by her children, Virginia Grasser, John Perry, Mary Rinke and Henry Perry; sister, Margaret Knonings; grandchildren, Chris Grasser, Joel Perry, Claire Rinke, Micah Perry and Seth Perry; great-granddaughter, Adah Jane Perry; and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family. She made it through the last few years by frequent contact with her friends, especially Darrell Dreher and Mit McGinness.

Services will be held on Monday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Ironton Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ironton Baptist Church, 14718 Ironton Cutoff Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206.

Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200.  Bessie’s online guestbook may be signed at www.smithfamilycares.com.