Mr. Thomas Williams Perry

Thomas Williams Perry was born on March 1, 1977. He was known to many as either, Tommy, Thomas or “T”. Each name represented a new chapter of his incredible life. TOMMY was raised by his late mother Helen P. Carter (Ma) in Dorchester, Mass. with a house full of siblings and other children that Ma helped take care of. Tommy attended Boston Public Schools up until middle school. He was very smart and competitive when it came to seeing who could come home with the most academic awards and A’s on report cards. Tommy loved listening to music alone and often with his brothers and friends. He was a great baseball player also. Him and his brother Chris kicked a lot of teams butts out there on the field. Tommy had so many friends and was never afraid to stick up for his younger siblings. He was strong and courageous, overall an awesome Kid. He joked around all the time, making others laugh. Tommy moved to Wake Forest, NC in 1994 with the family and attended Wake Forest-Rolesville High School up until the 11th grade. In 1996, he returned back to Boston and started working various jobs. He resided with his stepmother Essie Sims (Ma Dukes) who loved Tommy as if he was her own son. In 2000, Tommy relocated to Grand Rapids, MI where he obtained a job with the help of a dear friend, Joyce Smith at Grand Valley State University. He then landed a job at Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurants as an assistant manager. Tommy was known to be a hard worker, not one to give up. He impacted a lot of people’s lives and always had people at work laughing. His smile would make a hard day better. In 2002, Tommy became THOMAS when he met the love of his life and best friend Heidei Elliott. On April 19, 2003 they began dating and have been in a relationship since, until his untimely demise on March 18, 2016 at Butterworth Spectrum Health Hospital. When Thomas came into Heidei’s life not only did he accept Heidei but he also accepted and loved her 4 year old daughter Keona Elliott. He took the role of “Dad” right away. He taught Keona how to ride her motorcycle, how to save money and how to act like a lady. He also taught her how to read, write and not to like boys. In November of 2008, a special gift was born unto Thomas and Heidei. They welcomed their “Treasure.” Treasure Nicole Perry was Thomas’ world and he would do anything for her. She was his sunshine and definitely his treasure. When he saw her his smile would light up the room. Thomas was the best role model, father and husband Heidei could ask for. She thanks God for sending Thomas in her life. He definitely was and still is a Blessing to their lives. Lastly, so many of Thomas’ friends and coworkers knew him as “T.” He had a special friend Carl Thomas Williams. “T” always looked out for friends and was never fake around people. He was never afraid to speak his mind and would give his last dollar to anyone. He loved his little crotch rocket motorcycle and anyone who knew “T” would know he would sit in the driver’s seat with his choice of drink and just let the car run while he just listened to his favorite jams. “T” wasn’t the richest man in the world but he was rich in so many other areas, like with his family. He loved them, they were his everything. We all are going to miss “T” and we will always carry him in our hearts. Rest in Heaven “T.” ONE LOVE Thomas leaves to cherish his memories and love: His loving Wife and best friend; Heidei Elliott Perry of Grand Rapids, MI; his children Treasure N. Elliott and Keona N. Elliott of Grand Rapids, MI; his late Mother Helen P. Carter; his stepmother Essie Sims (Ma Dukes) of Boston, MA; his father-in-law Raymond Elliott of Grand Rapids, MI and his mother-in-law Collen Lehman of Grand Rapids, MI; his sisters, Stephanie Evans (Jimmy) of Bunn, NC, Verlana Evans of Salem, MA, Helen Regina Perry (deceased), Tia P. Champion (Tyrone) of Zebulon, NC, Lisianna Carter of Boston, MA, Tamika Johnson of Boston, MA and Samantha Elliott of Grand Rapids, MI; his brothers Christopher Mack Perry of Grand Rapids, MI, Antwoine Carter of Raleigh, NC, Charles Peter Sims (Crystal) of Grand Rapids, MI, Jacob Elliott of Grand Rapids, MI, Wesley Elliott of Grand Rapids, MI, and Mathew Elliott of Grand Rapids, MI; special friends Carl Thomas Williams, Darius Whitfield and Marcus Ware Jr.; his niece that he helped raise Chaniah Ensley and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He saw the road was getting tough and the hills were hard to climb; so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered, “Peace Be Thine.” It breaks our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Dedicated to Thomas Love, Your Family

Tributes

Mr. Thomas Williams Perry

March 1, 1977 - March 18, 2016