Melissa Leah Perry

Melissa Perry, 63 of Hewitt passed away peacefully to the strains of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir surrounded in love and compassion by the “three amigos”. Melissa was born September 11, 1957 in Lubbock, Texas to Sequoyah Perry Sr. and Joy Perry. Her family meant the world to her and she was so proud to be a Perry and a member of the Chickasaw Nation. As a young girl Melissa loved spending time at the ranch with her grandparents, riding horses and wanted to be a cowboy. As a youth she was a member of the youth church choir along with being active in Campfire Girls and serving as a camp counselor. She was a 1975 graduate of Lubbock’s Monterey High School and spent the following summer working for her uncle in London. She lived in California, Arizona and gladly found her way back to Texas in 2004. She was blessed to serve in the office at Central Presbyterian Church and spent thirteen dedicated years with Baylor’s Media /Communications Dept before recently joining the team at Waco Independent School District’s administrative office.

Melissa was an adventurer with a mermaid spirit, living life on her own terms. She was a lover of music, nature, her family and friends; she loved to camp, hike, travel, cook and take care of her home, redecorating as the seasons changed. Gardening was another passion, and she tended her plants every day when home. Next to her husband the love of her life was her 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera which she occasionally was known to drive really fast. “The road goes on forever and the party never ends.”

She was preceded in death by her father Sequoyah Perry Sr.; sisters Sally Perry Clark and Marcella Perry. She is survived by her husband Ken Hollingsworth; mother Joy Perry, sister Michelle Berridge and husband Ken, brother Sequoyah Perry Jr. and wife Carolyn; nieces Miranda Perry, Regan Colburn, Mallory Clay and Madeline Clark; nephews Sequoyah Perry III and Nicholas Perry; grandnephews Jaedyn and Emilio.

Her husband would like to thank the doctors, especially Dr. Maydee Rosario, the physician’s assistants, respiratory therapist and the wonderful compassionate nursing staff that worked with dedication in care of Melissa.

There are no formal services currently. As we all gather over time please remember and celebrate all the wonderful memories of her.

Donations in her honor can be made to St Jude’s Children's Hospital or Samaritans’ Purse.