Jeweldeen Richardson Perry

Graveside services for Mrs. Jeweldeen Richardson Perry, of Monroe, Louisiana, will be held in her hometown of Poteau, Oklahoma, at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Poteau.

Jeweldeen is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Perry, her parents, Opal and Tom Richardson, and numerous beloved family members and friends. Her living family includes her two sons, Dr. Tim Perry (and his wife Jodi Perry), and Rob Perry (and wife Kelli Perry). Jeweldeen is the beloved and adored “Grandmother” to her five grandchildren: Tommy Perry (wife Roberta Perry), Katie Phillips (husband Johnny Phillips), Ali Patsley (husband Philip Patsley), Stevi Howard (husband Troy Howard), and Drew Perry (wife Kacee Jo Perry). She is also the great-grandmother of eight great-grandchildren: Joanna and Jude Perry, Julianna, Eva Cate and Gabriella Phillips, Duke Patsley, Lincoln Howard, and Knox Perry.

Jeweldeen peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on April 11, 2025, at ninety-one years old. She lived a long, full life, and she took full advantage of every day she was given. She loved reading and rarely went throughout the day without spending at least a little time engrossed in a good book. She also loved gardening, acrylic painting, yoga, and completing the newspaper’s daily crossword puzzle with a cup of coffee in the morning. She loved time spent with friends and family. Most of all, she loved her two sons, Tim and Rob.

She was quick-witted, incredibly smart, and resilient. There was almost nothing that she couldn’t do once she’d set her mind to it, and there was very little in life that seemed to scare or intimidate her. Despite her steady confidence and determination, she never took herself too seriously and was never too mature for a good laugh. This made her a wonderfully fun grandmother to her grandchildren, who loved it when she’d come up with a prank or a silly idea for them to try with her. Her fearless attitude also meant that she never flinched when they tried all kinds of ridiculous tricks in her swimming pool (as long as their parents weren’t there).

Jeweldeen loved the Lord, and she loved her local church. She was a member of First Methodist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. She leaves behind many beloved friends and church members from her many years there. Jeweldeen also loved teaching. After she and her husband, Bill moved their family to Monroe, she taught at several different elementary schools in the Monroe area. She loved being in the classroom with her students. Her favorite grade to teach was second grade, which she taught at Lexington Elementary School for many years. She loved every child she ever taught and cared deeply about them long after they’d moved on to the next grade.

She was as kind as she was beautiful (and she was very beautiful). She never worried too much about appearances, but she did have a certain appreciation for high heels, which she wore daily for the majority of her life. She was slow to anger, but quick to smile; slow to judge, but quick to show compassion. She valued her independence, but she treasured time with her family and friends. She aged but never seemed to get old.

Jeweldeen was dynamic: smart, loving, creative, graceful, and fun. She was truly one of a kind. Her life and legacy will impact generations. Her family will forever cherish the precious memories they have with her, and they will remain eternally grateful for the fervent hope they share with her: that through Christ, even death is not the end.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to First Methodist Church of Monroe, 3900 Loop Rd., Monroe, LA 71201.