Alvin Arnell Perry 70 of Chicago, Illinois, was the youngest of five children born to the union of Arthur and Annie Mae Perry on October23, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents and 2 of his sisters (Geraldine and Willestine) preceded him in death.

The Perry Family was tight-knit and instilled in all of their children strong family values based upon love, loyalty and commitment. They loved their children and were loved in return.  There were always family gatherings, fish fries, game nights and fishing outings to keep everyone in touch. All were welcome! One could expect great food, fun and laughter. It was a large extended family, the more the merrier.  Family would always be important to Alvin.

Growing up, Alvin was a shy, quiet child who kept mostly to his self.   Often described as stubborn and set in his ways, Alvin was also kind, charitable, and humble. 

Alvin attended and graduated from Mason Upper Grade Center in 1961 and Farragut High School in 1965.  Following graduation from High School, he attended Loop Junior College and the Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics Institute.

Alvin accepted Christ at the age of 18 at Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Milton Brunson.  Alvin had a great passion for the word of God and sought wisdom and understanding, constantly. He sang with the Combined Choirs, attended Bible Study and later became a Deacon.

He was inducted into the Army in January 1968 and honorably discharged in February 1968.  

A proud and determined man, Alvin decided to secure his future by attending masonry and welding schools.   Upon completion, he worked as a member of the International Union of Allied Craftworkers until retirement.

Alvin often had a stern and serious demeanor, but he did have a lighter side.  He enjoyed music, traveling, movies, cooking, dining, eating, and gathering to talk, laugh and joke with his family and friends.

Alvin married Carol Yvonne Worsham on September 6, 1969.  To this union was born one son on August 21, 1974, Adam Doron Perry. Alvin and Carol were thrilled to welcome Adam into their lives. It was a happy event.  Alvin loved his son dearly. He took great pride in his son’s growth, graduations and accomplishments. Adam’s birth was just one of several events that shaped Alvin’s life for the rest of time.  Another  was the marriage of Adam to Denise Doniel Hamilton on September 22, 2007. It was a long awaited and great celebration.  Alvin and Carol finally had a daughter.  The later births of his grandchildren Adam Jr. and Arden were other such events. He took delight in their antics and doted on them.  They were light of his life and nothing was too good for his babies.  He enjoyed his role as “Grandpa”!

The Voices of Praise were formed by George Mays on  October 3, 1974.  Alvin was a founding member and part of the Sons of Thunder (Bass and Tenor Section).  The Voices were a vehicle for Alvin to raise his voice in song, give praise to God and minister to others.  The Voices ministered in song throughout Chicago, the United States, Bahamas, Switzerland, Paris and France. He was often seen among them, praising God with his tambourine and dance. Alvin had many wonderful and lasting friendships in the Voices of Praise.

Alvin resisted his initial call to the ministry. He was full of doubt and did not feel worthy to be a minister.  He prayed to God for a sign to be given through Carol. Once received, he embraced and accepted his call.  He went forward with fervor and never looked back.

In preparation, Alvin attended Moody Bible Institute and traveled to Jerusalem.   Alvin was ordained to the work of The Gospel Ministry on January 22, 1978 by Reverend Charles Lee of Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.  Reverend Alvin Perry was also ordained to The Gospel Ministry of the Apostolic Church on December 29, 2001 by Bishop Larry Trotter of Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago.

During his ministry Reverend Alvin Perry attended and was affiliated with other churches including Stone Temple/Reverend Derrick Fitzpatrick; Greater Mt. Pleasant/Reverend Charles Lee and Reverend Steve Jones; Praise Tabernacle/Reverend Steve Jones and Christian Tabernacle/Reverend Maceo Woods.

Reverend Alvin Perry found unspeakable joy when he joined Heritage International Christian Church under the leadership of Bishop Dwight Gunn. At Heritage International - he could hear the word, study the word and teach the word; all while giving God praise. Elder Perry considered himself more of a teacher than a preacher.  He became an Elder and served with the Ministerial Alliance and the Christian Education Department.  Elder Perry referred to himself as more of a teacher than a preacher.

Elder Perry was faithful and dutiful to Heritage International Christian Church and Bishop Gunn. He loved his place there.  Elder Perry was dedicated to the mission of his church.  His love and dedication was reciprocated.  So much so, he was honored by the congregation for his service and commitment to God and His people!

On January 11, 2017, Elder Alvin Perry heard the voice of God saying “ Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord!.”  He was born into eternity on January 11, 2017. A life well lived! Can’t you envision him shouting “Glory , Hallelujah“ to His Name!

To be reunited with him once again and cherish his memories are his loving son, Adam Doron (Denise); brother, Arthur Jr. (aka Butch) of Lisle, Illinois; sister, Dorothy Jean of Cordova, Tennessee; aunt, Mary Mosley;  grandson, Adam Jr.; granddaughter, Arden;  special niece, Carlen Romel (Henry Pates); former wife, Carol, the Worsham Family; special sister-in-law, Doris Jean (James Harper) and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, great aunts, a great uncle, relatives and friends.

Please keep the Perry family in your prayers......

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