Claudia Geneva Perry's Obituary
Claudia Geneva Perry, affectionately known by family and friends as “Gee,” passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026 at Circle of Life Hospice House in Springdale, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of her family.
Gee was born on November 20, 1933, at Sunset (Winslow), Arkansas, to Claud and Lillie (Parker) Meadors. She was one of nine children and spent her life rooted in the values of hard work, faithfulness, family, and a deep love for the outdoors.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 77 years, Arliss C. Perry; her parents, Claud and Lillie Meadors; her sisters, Lucille Schader, Norma Shackelford, Josephene Tomlinson, Lena Shepherd, and Indianola Williams; and her brothers, Howard, Joe, and John Meadors.
On July 26, 1949, Geneva married the love of her life, Arliss C. Perry, in Hazel Valley, Arkansas. Their mothers, Audie Melinda Napier and Lillie Parker Meadors, served as witnesses to the ceremony. As their 77th wedding anniversary approaches, we find comfort in knowing they are reunited once again. Few couples are blessed to share every season of life together, and we can only imagine the joy of their reunion.
Gee was a devoted wife, homemaker, gardener, and friend. She possessed a remarkable green thumb and could grow just about anything, though tomatoes always held a special place in her heart. Perhaps it was because tomatoes were quite literally part of her roots, her parents operated a tomato farm when she was a child growing up at Sunset. For many years, neighbors along Old Wire Road in Fayetteville knew that if the garage door was open, Gee would likely have fresh tomatoes, squash, onions, and other garden treasures displayed in little box tops, ready to share or sell.
She loved music, especially country music, and enjoyed both the classic songs of her youth and newer artists. She rarely missed an opportunity to watch a singing competition or music program on television.
Geneva took great pride in her home and yard. Her flowers were immaculate, her lawn perfectly maintained, and not a stick or weed was left unattended. Even into her nineties, she could be found outdoors with a chainsaw, weed eater, or lawn mower, tending to the property she loved. She cherished the sunshine, the fresh air, and the simple joy of working in her garden. With a summer tan, cutoff jean shorts, and a smile, she embodied a life well-lived outdoors.
She leaves behind generations of nieces and nephews, including great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, as well as beloved friends, neighbors, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Circle of Life Hospice House or Hazel Valley Cemetery, two places that held special meaning during her life’s journey.
Graveside service will be 10:30 AM Friday June 19, 2026 at Hazel Valley Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. Family will greet friends and family from 10:00 AM -10:30 AM at the cemetery prior to the graveside service.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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