Dr. Samona L. Perry

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. SAMONA LYNETTE PERRY

Dr. Samona Lynette Perry was born on October 5, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, to the union of the late Viola Marie Perry and Robert Louis Perry. From the beginning, Samona was a force of nature—graceful, determined, loving, and full of life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and her faith remained the foundation of her life. A true warrior for Christ, Samona's spiritual walk influenced countless lives. As a child, she was a member of Aijalon Missionary Baptist Church and The Word of Truth C.O.G.I.C. Her love for music and ministry blossomed as a teenager when she became a dedicated member of the Toni Booker and Booker Production Community Choir, where she began honina her skills as a choir director. Later, she served faithfully at Russell Street Church, Lifeline Christian Center, and ultimately became a founding member of Kingdom Life Ministries International under the leadership of Bishop Alvernis L and Pastor Shantell Johnson.

A natural-born leader, Samona was shaped early by responsibility. As the eldest sibling, she was charged with the care of her younger brothers and sisters—Jeffrey, Evelyn, Laura, Linda, Demetrius, Mark, Latonya, and Wendy. She stepped into that role with maturity, love, and authority, preparing meals, supervising homework, and guiding them with wisdom well beyond her years.

Samona received her education through Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Chadsey High School in 1985. She went on to earn an Associate of Arts in Business Management from Davenport University in 2003. Her passion for learning didn't stop there. She later attended South University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2015, a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 2017, and her proudest academic accomplishment—a Doctorate of Business Administration in 2021, graduating with high esteem honors.

Her heart for the youth was unmatched. Fondly known as "Auntie Mona" by many, Samona mentored and poured love into young people through her church and educational outreach. She shared an unbreakable bond with her youngest nieces, Amiria Walker and Alana Walker, and most especially with her beloved niece, A'Niyah Traylor. Samona took pride in helping to raise "her baby", A'Niyah with love and joy, but also taught her how to cook and sew—just as she herself had learned from her great-grandmother, the late Laura Hayes.

Samona's vibrant personality and creativity knew no bounds. She was an avid University of Michigan fan and proudly created a comical character called "Mother Blue," who dressed up as a feisty older woman and talked l spirited smack in support of her team. Samona also developed her own playful dialect— 'Samonian '—where she added "-en' to the ends of words. Phrases like "this is good-en' or "oh my goodaness" became part of her charm and legacy.

Her passion for fashion, makeup, and hair styling led to early careers in modeling and retail management. She worked at the Cosmetic Counter in Detroit's New Center Building and at Hudson's in Fairlane Mall. Later, she launched her own cosmetic line, T'Mia Joi Cosmetics, named in loving memory of her late niece, T'Mia Joi Walker. Samona also modeled and designed the logo for the Sharon Dumas Full and Fabulous Plus-Size Modeling Agency in the late 1980s. On top of all that, she was an accomplished seamstress, creating and selling handmade hat and scarf sets. She had a love for dancing, singing and music, too.

A master in the kitchen, Samona was known for her delicious cooking. She was the only sibling who could recreate her mother's famous "VI's Ribs and Sauce." Her pasta salad and homemade chips and salsa were legendary and loved by all who tasted them.

Professionally, Samona dedicated her life to helping others. She worked as a case manager at Hamilton Community Health Network in Flint from 2000 to 2005. Later, as Executive Director of Social and Community Services at City of Light Community Development Center (Saginaw and Flint), she created vital programs that empowered individuals and families. Samona founded the Fresh Start Morning and Youth First programs at Atkins Elementary and Middle School in Bridgeport, MI through funding support provided by The Saginaw Community Foundation. Samona championed education, arts, and recreational opportunities for children in underserved communities. Her programs created safe, enriching spaces for youth to grow and thrive.

Spiritually, Evangelist Samona was more than a founding member, she was a Daughter of Zion, Anointed Reader, Church Administrator, Intercessor, Evangelist, and the Executive Director of the City of Light Community Development Corporation. Dr. Samona served with a love and compassion that can't be matched. As a vital member of the Executive Administration Team, Samona's dedication and focus helped the ministry grow and function in the spirit of excellence by establishing and carrying the torch of many programs and departments at KLM. Among her many roles, Samona was a community advocate, case manager, and customer service professional. Her faith, leadership, and service were unwavering.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Viola Marie Perry and Robert Louis Perry (Emma); her siblings, Jeffrey Perry, Sr., Demetrius Traylor, Linda Traylor-Coleman, Arthur Louis William; her great-grandparents, Marion and Laura Hayes; her grandparents, Erma Pearl Glenn and Johnny Clay O'Quinn, Sr.; and her niece, T'Mia Joi Walker.

She leaves to cherish and rejoice in her memory: her stepfather, Robert James Traylor (Darlene); her loving siblings, Evelyn Brunious, Laura Perry (Amil), Wendy Traylor, Yah Young (Yolanda), Tracy Frierson, Tonya Traylor, Mark Traylor, Robert Earl Redmond, Dwayne Redmond, Lillian Redmond and Monika Redmond; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, church family, and the countless youth and adults she mentored and inspired throughout her life.

Dr. Samona Lynette Perry leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, faith, and laughter. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her impact will live on for generations.