Perry, Helen K.

Helen Kearney Perry (1924–2012) Helen Kearney Perry was born on October 6, 1924, in Liberia, North Carolina, to Richard G. Kearney and Fannie Green Kearney. As the eldest of seven children, she grew up in a family that valued education, faith, and service. She completed her early schooling in Warren County and graduated from John R. Hawkins High School. Determined to become an educator, she continued her studies at Elizabeth City Teachers College in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, earning her teaching degree. From a young age, Helen was deeply committed to her Christian faith. She was an active member of Spring Green Baptist Church in Warrenton, North Carolina, before relocating to Englewood, New Jersey. After moving north, she joined First Baptist Church of Englewood, where she remained active for many years. On November 27, 1948, she married Shade Perry. The couple had one daughter. When Helen arrived in Englewood, she faced difficulty securing a permanent teaching position despite her qualifications. To support herself, she worked at the Curtiss-Wright aircraft manufacturing plant, a major producer of fighter plane components during World War II. She later worked as a domestic employee in Englewood before returning to education as a substitute teacher. With the support of local civil rights advocates, including members of the Urban League and the NAACP, Helen eventually secured a permanent teaching position. In 1961, she became the first full-time African American teacher at Cleveland Elementary School in Englewood. Her career was marked by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering belief in her students’ potential. She was known for giving individualized attention to each child and often carried her students’ challenges home with her, determined to find ways to help them succeed. Many former students remained connected to her long after leaving her classroom, a testament to the lasting impact she made. Committed to professional growth, Helen earned a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Fairleigh Dickinson University in the 1970s. She retired from teaching in 1986 after 25 years of service. Beyond her work in education, Helen was deeply involved in church and community life. At First Baptist Church, she served on the Scholarship Committee, participated in the Commission on Christian Social Concerns, and taught Sunday school. Helen Kearney Perry passed away on August 2, 2012, following a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shade Perry; her brothers Rev. Willis M. Kearney and George R. Kearney; and other loved ones. She is remembered by her daughter, grandson, great-granddaughter, siblings, extended family, and many friends whose lives she touched through her faith, service, and dedication to education.