Nellie Gladys Goins Perry

Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23

With hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of Nellie “Gladys” Goins Perry.

Affectionately known as “Gladys” by all who knew and loved her, she was the second of four children born to the late Clyde Sr. and Lubbie Goins. Raised in a home rooted in faith, love, hard work, and compassion, Gladys carried those values throughout her life, touching countless hearts with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family.

On the morning of June 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and comforted by God's abiding presence, Gladys peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Having lived a life of faith, grace, and service, she answered her Master's call and entered into the eternal peace and joy prepared for her in Heaven.

Gladys possessed a gentle spirit, a caring heart, and a beautiful smile that could brighten even the darkest day. She was educated in the Chatham County School System and attended Horton High School in Pittsboro, NC. Following high school, she briefly resided in Rantoul, Illinois, before returning to her beloved home state of North Carolina, where she eventually settled in Chapel Hill. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her roots, her family, and the values that shaped the remarkable woman she became.

Gladys devoted many years of service to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System, where she helped nurture and encourage countless young people. She understood the importance of kindness, patience, and leading by example. Later, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and established her own residential and commercial cleaning business in Sanford, NC. Through her work, she built lasting friendships and earned the respect and admiration of many, including the Keller family, who remained treasured clients for several years.

At an early age, Gladys joined Mitchell Chapel AME Zion Church in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where she began her walk with Christ. Although life's journey eventually led her away from her hometown, her faith remained a steady anchor throughout her life. She trusted God through life's joys and challenges and carried herself with grace, humility, and quiet strength.

Gladys found happiness in life's simple blessings. She loved traveling and enjoyed peaceful getaways to the mountains and the beach. She treasured time spent with family, especially sharing stories and memories from her childhood with her siblings. Whether offering words of encouragement, lending a helping hand, or simply listening with a caring heart, Gladys had a special gift for making others feel loved and valued. Her nurturing spirit touched countless lives, and her presence brought comfort and joy wherever she went.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her loving parents, Clyde Goins Sr. and Lubbie Goins; her beloved sister, Shirley Goins; her brother, Clyde Goins Jr.; her nephews, Adell "Dee" Alston, Clyde Goins III, Roderick & Prentice Goldston, and; along with many loved ones who surely greeted her with open arms at Heaven's gate.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the beautiful memories she leaves behind and the promise that we will see her again. Cherishing her memory are her daughters, Jacqueline Alston of Sanford, NC, and Tonya Green of Durham, NC; her son, William "Luke" Goins of Whiteville, NC; her grandchildren, John Green of Durham, NC, Kendall Alston of Regensburg Germany, Shelby Alston of Sanford, NC, and Zhari & Ebone Goins of Goldston, NC; eleven precious great-grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to her life; her devoted sister, Eunice Allen of Pittsboro, NC; her beloved uncle, Gary Alston of Baltimore, MD; her nephews, Mario Goins (Mikkia) and Jefferie Atkins (Ursula); her nieces, Loleta McCrimmon (Jeffrey), Tabitha Goldston (Rodney), Regina Wilson (Marcus), Jennifer Johnson (LaScottie), and Turkessa Greene (Bobby); and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Gladys leaves behind a legacy woven with faith, love, kindness, and devotion to family. She taught those around her the importance of caring for one another, cherishing family bonds, and trusting God through every season of life. A testimony of quiet strength and enduring love, her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

While we will miss her gentle presence, comforting words, and loving embrace, we find peace in knowing that she now rests safely in the arms of her Savior. Her journey on earth is complete, but the love she shared and the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

To God be the glory for the beautiful life of Nellie “Gladys” Goins Perry. She fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. A life well lived, a soul deeply loved, and a faith that has now become sight

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