Karolyn Ferrell Perry

TYLER — Karolyn Ferrell Perry was born on November 22, 1946, in Beaumont, TX, to Claude Vernon Ferrell and Rena Jennise Ferrell.

During her Senior year at French High School, she met the love of her life, Thomas (“Tommy”) McDow Perry, Jr. in a high school folk singing group, where Karolyn sang alto and Tommy played the guitar. (Later, her kids would learn that all those favorite harmonies at home were none other than John Denver and Johnny Cash.) Their first date was October 9th, 1964, and they’ve been a couple ever since.

Karolyn and Tommy were married on July 20th, 1968, and resided in Beaumont, TX, before ultimately landing in Tyler, TX to raise their family. They spent their early marriage years motorbiking and camping throughout the mountains of Colorado, which became the inspiration for her scenic paintings that later graced the family home.

After college, Karolyn spent several years as a special education teacher, but her ultimate dream was to be a mom. That dream became her reality in 1975 and has never stopped despite her three “baby birds” having flown the coop many years ago. For 26 years, she relished her time of teaching her kiddos at home and driving to countless dance lessons, boy scouts, church events, piano lessons, and high school football games. She loved it.

Her strong creative streak produced a multitude of interior designs, stage murals, paintings, and calligraphy projects, and with her expert seamstress skills, she sewed everything from her own wedding dress to quilts, clothing, prom dresses, dance costumes, and home decor for her own family and for others.

While her talents were impressive, it’s Karolyn’s relentless devotion to her husband, family, and Jesus that stand out above all. Her faith in Christ was rock solid and drove her parenting, friendships, and marriage.

Karolyn’s ultimate test of faith began in 2014 after a debilitating stroke left her half paralyzed. Yet, despite the extreme hardships, Karolyn’s never-ending calm and extreme grace under pressure has truly been an inspiration for everyone who knew her.

On Friday, January 31st, while surrounded by her beloved Tommy and her three “baby birds” in the family home, Karolyn graduated from her broken body and finally enjoyed running and dancing again, this time into the arms of Jesus.

Mom, you truly epitomized the Proverbs 31 woman and we already terribly miss you. We’re so proud of you and love you dearly.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’… A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Karolyn is survived by her husband, Thomas McDow Perry, Jr., her daughter Stephanie Perry (of Tyler, TX), her son Todd Perry (and daughter-in-law, Michelle Perry of Cypress, TX), and daughter Alicia Sparkman (and son-in-law Travis Sparkman of Austin, TX), along with six grandchildren, her sisters-in-law Linda Howland and Frances Perry (of Jacksonville, TX and Tyler, TX, respectively), her sister Claudia Ferrell McKeller (of Nome, TX), her adopted Aunt Janet Townsend (of Lufkin, TX), along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Services for Karolyn will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at Stewart Family Funeral Home at 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler, TX. Visitation begins at 1:00pm with services beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Tyler.

The Perry family asks that instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Karolyn’s name to one of her favorite ministries, Living Alternatives. Visit www.livingalternatives.org/donate/ (select “General Operations” in the “Designated For” drop-down, then write her name in the notes). If sending a check, write her name in the memo.

May Karolyn’s legacy of Godly motherhood carry on so that other women of all ages can confidently embark upon the role of motherhood with the same strength, dignity, and support that she gave to her family for many wonderful years.