In Memory

Amy Doris Perry (Talhelm) - Class Of 1989

Amy Doris Perry Talhelm, born July 28, 1972, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ today, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. When asked what she wanted to be remembered for, she stated, "That she loved her family greatly, Matt and Della Jane. That she served a risen savior and that she was a fighter". She fought this battle for 10 years.

Amy was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and moved to Moyock, North Carolina. When she was three years old. She moved to Charlottesville, Virginia. When she was 16, then graduated from Albemarle High School. She worked at PharMor for several years, then moved back to Virginia Beach, where she met and Married Matthew Talhelm. They were blessed with one daughter Della Jane, who was named after both grandmothers.

Amy and her family lived in Chesapeake, Virginia, and attended Great Hope Baptist Church. Amy and her dad both attended ECPI, where both graduated with honors. She went on to become a computer programmer and worked several places, including Trader Online.

She leaves to remember her the following people: her husband, Matt and daughter, Della Jane; parents, Jimmie and Della Perry of Fork Union Virginia; mother-in-law, Jane and her husband, Mark Townsend, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; a sister, Shannon and her husband, Curtis Race; and devoted brother, Jimmy Wayne Perry and his wife, Sheila, all of whom reside in Fork Union, Virginia; two nieces, Emma Jean Brinkley and Ciara Marie Race, three nephews, Jesse David Brinkley, Michael Ellis Perry, and Christopher Race, whom she lovingly called "Bubba"; five great aunts, all of Charleston, West Virginia, with one living in Florida. Many great cousins on both sides of the family that have been there with support and understanding for both Matt and Della, along with her parents.

She was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Wayne and Wanda Miller, Frank and Doris Perry; one aunt, Patricia Miller Bradshaw, and one cousin, Wanda Marie Bradshaw, whom she had never met, until today. Matt's grandfather, Pap Bell, whom she admired for his own battle with cancer and Grandma, Nellie Bell who lost her battle with ALS . We know that they all were waiting for her with open arms, as Jesus Christ has brought her home.

The family wishes to thank Great Home Baptist Church and those who have supplied meals each week, while Amy was confined to home and to thank her co-workers who gave her so much understanding and joy in her life while she was able to work with them at Trader Online. "THANKS GUYS".

I asked Amy what her favorite scripture was, she smiled and quoted Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Then smiling, Amy stated, "Oh Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" And, I will not be in that grave but in His presence Mommy!"

There will be a memorial service at Great Hope Baptist Church for those who would like to pay their final respects to Amy. 

Amy's last request was to be cremated and the family will honor that request.

Dad and Mom wish to thank our home church, Colonial Baptist Church for all the support and prayers during not only this time, but through it all. To God be the Glory.

Thank you for all the food and monetary gifts that were given to the family.

Published in the Daily Progress from April 28 to May 2, 2007

Obituary submitted by Sam Clarke.