Doris Lee Perry, a cherished matriarch and esteemed community leader, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024, in her Alexandria, Louisiana home, surrounded by her loving children.  Doris was born to the late Ernest Lee, Sr. and Florence Della Pryor Lee on August 21, 1932, in Chicago Illinois.  Doris was the youngest of three children born to this union.

At the age of 10, Doris faced the profound loss of her mother, a life-altering event that shaped her strength and resilience. She then returned to Alexandria, where she was lovingly raised by her aunts and uncles, who instilled in her a deep sense of family and community.

A proud graduate of Peabody High School, Class of 1951, Doris was known for her intelligence, grace and determination. These qualities guided her throughout her life, forging lasting friendships and cherished memories.

From a young age, Doris's faith was the foundation of her life.  She accepted Christ and was baptized at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago.  Upon relocating to Alexandria, Louisiana, she became a dedicated member of Newman United Methodist Church, where she held numerous leadership positions, including President of the United Methodist Women, Chairperson for Pastor-Parish Relations, President of the Methodist Youth Foundation, President of the Alexandria District Board of Building and Relocation and Communion Steward.  Doris's unwavering commitment to her church community was evident throughout her life.

In Alexandria, Doris met and married the love of her life, Scott Perry, Jr.  Their marriage spanned 69 years, marked by love, mutual respect and shared goals.  Together they built successful family businesses, including Scott Perry, Jr. Sanitation Service Inc, and Perry and Sons Vaults and Graves.

Doris made history at the age of 89 as the first African American woman to serve as a Police Juror for District I, completing her husbands' term after his passing.  Her leadership and dedication to public service left a lasting impact on her community.

As a devoted mother and grandmother, Doris was known for her willingness to sacrifice anything to ensure her children's and grandchildren's success.  She was a trusted advisor, counselor and mentor to many, offering guidance and wisdom to those who sought her counsel.  Her life was a testament of love, faith and dedication.  Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Doris also served as the family historian, meticulously preserving photos, documents and historical records to ensure future generations remained connected to their heritage.

Doris is survived by her children: Ronald Dean Perry, Scott Elliot Perry and Kenneth Derwin (Carla) Perry all of Alexandria, Louisiana; Michael Lynn (Lottie) Perry of Richmond, Texas; Sharon Denise Perry (Rodrick) Jones of Maumelle, Arkansas; and Roderick (Yvonne) Newman of Missouri City, Texas.  Also to cherish her memory are two of her devoted nieces, Doris Reed Jordan and Florence Lee Smith both of Chicago, Illinois. Her sister-in law, Mary Lou Carter of Alexandria, La. Fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and dear friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Lee & Florence Pryor Lee, her siblings, Florence Lewis and Earnest Lee Jr., and her beloved husband, Scott Perry, Jr.