Charlene "Charlie" Perry

Charlene "Charlie" Perry, 76, died Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Kline Hospice House, Mt. Airy, MD, after a brief illness. Charlie was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Her parents, Geneva and Lavonne Cooley, and her sister, Rebecca Grantham, predeceased her. Charlie is survived by her husband, Michael Perry, her sister, Betty Waddell, her brother-in-law, Mike Grantham, and several nieces and nephews.

Charlie graduated from Southern Mississippi University with a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Elementary Education. After moving to Frederick, she earned a second Master's degree from Hood College as a Reading Specialist. She retired from Frederick County Public Schools in 2005 after teaching at Green Valley, Urbana, South Frederick/Lincoln Elementary schools, ending her career at Heather Ridge School. She received the Frederick County Teacher of the Year award in 2004.

Charlie was a active in various civic and professional organizations. She traveled extensively, touring Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska, Central America and the Middle East. Charlie and Mike were avid cruisers of the Caribbean. She had just begun to explore the United States. Her recent travels included The Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park and other sites throughout the southwest. Her latest adventures were to Mt. Rushmore National Park and Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, the polar bear capital of the world.

At Charlie's request there will be no visitation or service. She will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and generous lady from Mississippi. To celebrate Charlie's life, consider a donation to the Kline Hospice House located at 7000 Kimmel Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771.