Perry Lee Alexis, Sr.

CELEBRATING A Life Well Lived

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P

erry LEE lexis, Sr.

“White Baby”

My Story I was born on Sunday, October 2, 1949 to my proud parents Leona Duncan and Paul Alexis, Sr. Although I was born in New Orleans, my entire childhood and young adult life was spent in Boothville, LA where all of my roots were planted. I had a wonderful childhood and was blessed with 6 siblings; Paul Jr., Viola, Brenda, Gary, Kevin and J.W.. My parents instilled in us from a very early age the importance of hard work and dedication.

We were taught that if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. This prompted me to work hard and smart my entire life since I was 14 years of age.

In 1969, I met a beautiful and crazy black girl, Linda Sue, who would soon steal my heart and become the love of my life. On Saturday, June 13, 1970 that crazy black girl would become my wife. I thank God for the past 46 ½ years that we have been partners and soulmates.

On Saturday, July 25, 1970, Linda Sue gave birth to our first child and my name sake, Perry Jr. I am extremely glad that we named him Jr. because when I look at him I see myself as if I’m looking in the mirror. My son has proven himself to me as a hard working business man who, just like me, works hard to provide for the people that he loves. I know now that I can rest peacefully knowing that he will carry on my legacy. My wife and I were pretty content with having only 1 child and we thought that would continue to be the norm. But God had other plans. On Thursday, November 11, 1982, my second child, Perrilyn Alexis, the apple of my eye, was born. Since she came 12 years after her brother, we were all shocked, delighted and thrilled. My baby girl has been my constant friend and most loyal supporter. She alone has a way of making me feel like the most important man in the world. To say that I love my baby girl would be a complete understatement.

In this life I have had many successes as well as some failures. In other words I’ve had some good days and some hills to climb. I’ve had some weary

days and some lonely nights, but when I look around and think things over, I’m so happy to say that my good days far outweigh my bad days. So based on that very fact, I won’t complain. I worked tirelessly to build Perry & Son Towing, which my wife and I founded in 1991. Our mission at Perry & Son Towing has always been and will always be to provide the highest quality marine service possible while meeting or exceeding industry standards.

I’ve spent my entire life in the marine industry but I am also thankful for other businesses I have owned which would include Alexis Property Management, LLC and L&L School Uniform & Embroidery. One of my greatest joys was being the co-founder of Robinson Family Funeral Home which has quickly become a premiere funeral establishment.

Linda and I have been residents of the Park Place Subdivision in Terry town where we spent the last 43+ years. It was in that neighborhood that we formed many friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. In our older days, Linda and I decided we would make our home in Harvey where I spent the last few months of this earthly journey making new friends and acquaintances.

A few months ago out of nowhere the mean disease of cancer invaded my body. I knew from the onset it would be a rough fight. My wife and children made sure I had the best doctors and care available but in the end, God’s will must always be done. During my life and my illness my family was able to make me comfortable and happy.

My wife, children and nephew Terrence made sure I made every doctor’s appointment and treatment. They made sure I had everything I needed, but in the end God’s will, will always be done.

As my time got closer and my footsteps became lighter, my wife and brother Paul, continued to preach Jesus to me. The more they preached the closer I became with Him. Many of my friends and church members of my wife came by to visit us and offer their prayers up to the Lord on my behalf. If any of you are here today please know that I felt and received the power of your prayers.

My good friend Rev. John McKinnies and his wife came by very often to see and pray with me. At every visit Rev. McKinnies would encourage me with the word of God

and always invited and encouraged me to accept Him as my Savior. Being of the Catholic faith my entire life, after the prayers and conversation with Rev. McKinnies and several other men and women of God I realized that I needed to confess my sins to God and accept Him completely into my heart and ask him to forgive me of the sins I may have committed in this body. As I accepted, confessed and believed, I immediately felt the burdens of my heart being rolled away. At this point I was confused because I was now ready to be officially baptized but my physical body had grown too week to endure the task. I then realized that water baptism hasn’t and will never save anyone. It is merely an outward expression of an inward change.

In fact, the gospel of St. John Chapter 1 verse 9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I must now bid farewell to my only living sibling Paul, Jr. and his wife Brenell, whom I love dearly. To My stepmother; Dorothy Alexis and to my aunts; Lizzy, Emma and Eva, I’ll see you when you get here. My nieces and nephews were always a main part of my life. I am going to miss all of you and you all know how much I love you; Yvette Pollard, Yon James, Paula Hines, Lyketta Golden, Letha Garrett, Lisa Thomas, Raynika Alexis, Paul Alexis, Jr., Wilfred, Jr., L.J., Jimmy and Ron Franklin, Nicole Griffith, Treshell Garner, Tasha Puckett, Minister Jordan Robinson, Kendall and Wendell Griffith, Randall Jr., Tyrell Griffin, Terrence Robinson and Travis Garner; as well as My in laws, Rev. Wilfred Franklin, R.D. Stanley, Jerome and Felecia Robinson, Joell and Samuel Griffith, Madella and Ronald Edmonds, Molly Garner, Traynell and Randall Griffin; My devoted cousins, Morris St. Ann, Gary Duncan, Ernest Prout and Neil Alexis, Sr. and My closet friends, Frank Martin and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Chopin.

After I accepted the Lord as Savior of my life I looked forward to going down in the liquid grave of baptism but because my health prevented it, my soul still rejoices in the fact that I got the chance to meet and accept Jesus while the blood was still running warm in my veins. Now I’m sealed until the day of my redemption.

My parents, my grandparents, my nephews; Gary Alexis and Rudy Joe Alexis as well as my devoted mother and father in law, Helen D. and Alfred Robinson, Jr. have all crossed over before me but I’m excited because I’ll see them all again real soon.

As much as I wanted to stay here with you, my soul longed to be at rest. I fought as long and as hard as I could but I knew that the time of my departure was at hand. As I bid this old world farewell, I embrace the new city that I must now move to. In this new city I’m told there’s no more pain. In this new city I’m told there’s no more sickness or death.

In this new city I’m told that there’s no more chemo, radiation or doctor’s visits. In this city I’m told that there are no more good byes but always howdy howdy. Don’t weep and mourn for me as people of no hope, for if you accept, believe and confess like I did, one day we will meet again in this new city I’m talking about. To the wind beneath my wings, my wife, Linda Sue, my beloved son Perry Jr. and my baby girl Lady, be strong and trust in the Lord. My love for you is unconditional and I will always be with you. To my grandchildren Perry III, Donya, Lil Marvin and Maci, Pawpaw loves you and I spent every day of my life rejoicing in your love for me. To my great great-grand babies; Amya, Perry Hope and Raleigh, my daughter in law Spencine, please don’t forget me because I will never forget you.

I’m also leaving to cherish my memories and celebrate my life: Aunt and Uncle in law Mary and Robert D. Robinson, my God children Kawanna Prout, Trechelle White, Terrence Robinson, Sr. and Nova Louis and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted business associates and friends from around the country.

I must leave you all now but remember the love, laughter and the good times we shared. Please don’t grieve yourself for me, I’m better now. I’m happier now.

I’m safer now. I’m free now. I have no worries because I know what Jesus has promised me. Jesus promised me a home where there is no more sickness, sorrow, or pain.

Love Always, Perry Alexis, Sr. “White Baby”

My One and Only Love To The Man I Love, Not only were you my beloved husband of nearly 47 years but you were also my lover, my best friend and my side kick and partner in crime.

I love you so much and spent everyday of my life trying to make you happy. I thank God for you and all of the wonderful adventures we shared together. You were the best husband, provider, father and grandfather the world has ever seen. Its going to be extremely difficult for us to move forward without you but we are all trusting and leaning on the L9rd to give us the strength we need to face tomorrow without you.

Thank you Perry for the life, love, joy and pure happiness you brought to my life.

I won’t ever forget you and we will always love you.

I know you are resting safely in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I know I will see you again when I get there.

Sleep now my Love, take your rest, your time is not over, it’s just begun..

Love Always, Your Linda Sue

Celebration of Life

Order of Service

Saturday, April 8, 2017 * 10:00 a.m.

Israel Baptist Church 1612 Esther St.* Harvey, LA 70058 Pastor Johnny McKinnies, Officiating

Musical Prelude Processional Pastor & Family Selection ………………………………………………………………….………… Israel & St. Paul Baptist Church Choirs Devotional Period Scripture Readings: Old Testament ………………………………………………………………. Deacon New Testament ……………………………………………………………… Deacon Selection ………………………………………………… Amazing Grace … Israel & St. Paul Baptist Church Choirs Prayer of Comfort …………………………………………….……………………………………………………………….. Deacon Selection …………………………………………………………………………….. Israel & St. Paul Baptist Church Choirs Mistress of Ceremony ……………………………………………………………………………………… Sis. Joyce Campbell St. Paul Baptist Church

Church Condolences ……………………………………………………………………..…………………..Sis. Judy Drawsand Duet …………………………………………………………………………………. Sis. Mary Woods & Sis. Vanessa Walker Remarks ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Reginald Burl Pastor, First Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Tributes ……………………………………………………… As A Neighbor ……………………. Minister Raymond Scott Life Center Cathedral

As A Cousin ………………………………….. Bro. Gary Duncan Mt. Olive Baptist Church

As A Uncle …………………………….... Sis. Yon Alexis-James As A Business Associate ……………….. Bro. Frank Martin As A Friend ……………………………………... Sis. Effie Moore Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club.……….Sis Lena Stewart Solo ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Sis. Jean Williams Oakville Missionary Baptist Church

Obituary ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Bro. Jerome Robinson First Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Solo …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Bro. Edward Ellis Israel Baptist Church

Eulogy …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Pastor Johnny McKinnies Solo ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Sis. Penny Jones Words of Comfort & Acknowledgements of Ministers ……………………………………………. Rev. Orin Grant Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church Final Viewing …………………..……………………………………………. Robinson Family Funeral Home and Staff Benediction Recessional

As We Look Back …

By: Unknown Author As we look back over time we find ourselves wondering …

Did we remember to thank you enough for all you have done for us?

For all the times you were by our sides to help and support us …

To celebrate our successes, to understand our problems, And accept our defeats?

Or for teaching us by your example, the value of hard work, good judgement, courage and integrity?

We wonder if we ever thanked you for the sacrifices you made, to let us have the very best?

And for the simple things, like laughter, smiles and times we shared?

If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now and we are hoping you knew it all along, Just how much you meant to us.

Dear Paw Paw God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So He put His arms around you And whispered “Come with Me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you And saw you pass away And although we love you dearly We could not make you stay.

A Golden Heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Love, Perry, III, Donya, Marvin, Jr., A’Mya, Raleigh, Perri’, Hope and Maci’

Active Pallbearers Paul Alexis, Jr. Wilfred Franklin, Sr. Jimmy Franklin L.J. Franklin

Oliver Smith, Jr. Jordan Robinson, Sr. Terrence Robinson, Sr. Jerry Bennett

Honorary Pallbearers Frank Martin Morris St. Ann Gary Duncan Charles Glenn Brinkley Randell Griffin, Sr.

Gerald Denet Edward Chopin Samuel Griffith Ronald Edmonds Ron Franklin

Acknowledgements The family of Perry Lee Alexis, Sr. would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks for the many acts of kindness shown during the passing of our loved one. Your words of encouragement, prayers, cards, gifts, calls and visits have been consoling. We ask that you continue to pray for our family.

Thank You!

Service Entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home 9611 Hwy. 23 * Belle Chasse, LA 70037 Funeral Directors: Jerome L. Robinson, Stephanie Simon, Derrick Lightell & Janee Grant

Interment Westlawn Park Memorial Cemetery 1225 Whitney Avenue Gretna, LA

Repast A Day to Remember 1785 Carol Sue Avenue Terrytown, LA 70056

Program Design & Printing by: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com