KINSTON | After 89 wonderful years of life, Barbara Stockton Perry died on Friday January 1, 2016. She was born on November 3, 1926, to James Horner and Mildred Blaine Stockton in Franklin, Macon County, North Carolina. Barbara graduated from Franklin High School in 1943 as valedictorian, from Brenau College (now University) cum laude in 1947, and from UNC School of Law, where she was Law Review and the only woman in the Class of 1950. Her first job was as assistant legal counsel for the Belk Stores in Charlotte. Her marriage to Warren Seipp Perry on June 9, 1951, brought her to his hometown of Kinston and shaped her future. Professional activities included the following: partner of Perry, Perry & Perry law firm, member of local Bar and North Carolina Bar Association, assistant judge of Recorder's Court, President of Senior Lawyers Division and member of Board of Bar Association Governors of NCBA. Public service and political activities were an important part of Barbara's life. She was a member of the NC Department of Transportation. She served on committees for the election of various candidates for NC Senate and House, US Senate, and gubernatorial campaigns. She ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor in 1984. She was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1979 by Governor Jim Holshouser and again in 2014, by US Representative Mike McIntyre on behalf of Governor Pat McCroy. Barbara also served on numerous local boards: United Way, NC Symphony, Community Concerts, Kinston-Lenoir County Bicentennial Commission, Kinston Arts Council, Pride of Kinston, Inc., Board of Trustees for Lenoir County Community Foundation, and Lenoir Memorial Hospital Foundation. An intense interest in education led to service as a member of the Board of Trustees at Arendell Parrott Academy, Lenoir Community College, Brenau University, and at UNC-Chapel Hill. She was elected to two terms on the Board of Governors of the UNC System of 16 universities. Other opportunities at UNC Chapel Hill included the Board of Visitors, the Chancellors Club, the Women's Leadership Council, the General Alumni Association, the Board of Marine Sciences, and Dental School Parents Association. A voracious reader, Barbara was a member of The Canterbury Book Club. She was a member of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Garden Club, Investment Club, and two bridge clubs. She served in leadership positions at the Kinston Country Club and the Coral Bay Club. Barbara and her husband loved spending time at Perrydise, their cabin at Camp Bryan, and at Perrytreat, their cottage at Morehead. She was "Mama Perry" to her family, several exchange students, and to extended family and friends. She and her husband, Warren, traveled the world, dancing on all seven continents. She was devoted to her Christian faith and loved being in Bible Studies for years. She was a member of Gordon Street Christian Church for many years. More recently she was a member of the non-denominational Faith Fellowship Church. She served many years on the Board of AnGeL Ministries. Barbara leaves a legacy that inspires involvement, hard work, a zest for living, and dedication to God, family and friends. She poured her life into her grandchildren and truly enjoyed being with each one of them. She was a Godly influence to all who knew her. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, Warren S. Perry (who died in 2003), her siblings, James Horner Stockton, Jr. and Martha Ann Stockton DuBose, and her brother-in-law, Ely J. Perry, Jr. Her sister, Leeda Stockton Currin and husband, George, survive her. Also surviving are her children and grandchildren: Dr. Warren S. (Wes) Perry, Jr., and wife, Stewart - Warren III and Andrew and wife, Lacy; Elizabeth (Betty Blaine) Perry Worthington and husband, Les - Whitley and husband, Parke Morris, and Dodson and wife, Allison; James Stockton (Jimbo) Perry and wife, Joan - Madison and wife, Pamela, Stockton and wife, Page, Stephen, Nathan and Jackson; Ashely Perry Rudolph and husband, Burton - Scott, Perry and Parker. In addition to her twelve grandchildren (eleven grandsons and one granddaughter), Barbara has eleven great-grandchildren so far. Other survivors are her sister-in-law, Mrs. Ely (Barbara Ruth) J. Perry, Jr., and brother-in-law, Daniel E. Perry and wife, Margaret, many nieces and nephews, and dear faithful friends, Nora Lawson and Annie Dixon. Her family is grateful to her invaluable caregivers: Rosa Hardy, Faye Simmons and Gina Riggs. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday January 2, 2016 at the home of Ely and Caroline Perry at 1104 Walker Drive, Kinston. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday January 3, 2016 at Queen Street Methodist Church with Dr. Randy Spaugh and Pastor Allen Bingham participating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Barbara be remembered by memorials to Faith Fellowship Church at 2278 Paul's Path Road, Kinston, NC 28504; Arendell Parrott Academy at 1901 Dobbs Farm Road, Kinston, NC 28504; or to a . Arrangements are with Edwards Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com.