Ova

Ova Mackie Perry, 97, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Ova was an East Brainerd resident for the past 59 years. She was born Nov. 18, 1915 in Cookeville, Tenn., to Thurman B. Mackie and Berneice Cleveland Mackie. She spent some early years of her childhood living in Colquitt, Ga., before moving to Chattanooga. She worked for more than ten years at the East Brainerd Piggly Wiggly in the meat market. Prior to this she worked at Cobble Muse Hosiery Mill in Chattanooga.She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Ova was a faithful member of Morris Hill Baptist Church for over 50 years where she taught Sunday School in the Children's Department. She was also active with the senior adult program, Mutual Hearts, and assisted for several years with the Wednesday night suppers. She had the gift of hospitality, providing baked goods for neighbors and friends. In addition to her parents, Ova was preceded in death by her husband, J. D. Perry; two sons, Billy Joe and James H. Perry; step-mother Ida Mae Cobb Mackie, sisters, Vivian Yarnell, Noreen Mackie, Juanita Lunsford, Betty Stewart; brothers, Thedford, Thurman B. Jr., James E., and Corder B. Mackie; one granddaughter, Pamela Hutcheson, and one great granddaughter, April Lindsey. She is survived by her daughter Diane (Wayne) Petty, Chattanooga; daughters-in-law, Barbara Perry, and Shirley Perry; sister, Willie (Kyle) Poe; brother, Alvin (Reba) Mackie; grandsons, Ron (Lois) Perry, Jim (Sonya) Perry, Robert (Tracy) Petty, and Matt (Kathy) Petty; granddaughters, Debbie (Jack) Melton, Vickie (Tim) Allen, Cindy (Mark) Klassen: sixteen great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; one great-great-great grandchild; her best friend, Evelyn Shull, and numerous nieces and nephews . Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Bill Mason officiating. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens East. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Signal Centers Adult Day Program, 109 N. Germantown Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411 (www.signalcenters.org).The family would like to thank her long time primary care physician, Dr. Richard F. Sowell for his excellent care; the staff and clients of Signal Centers Adult Day Program for their love and fellowship; Dr. Philip Newton and the staff and friends at NHC Fort Oglethorpe healthcare community for the excellent care provided during the past several months.Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.