Sheila Anne Perry

Sheila Anne (Moore) Perry, 72, was born on December 19, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James Moore Sr. and Rosie Lee Williams. She was the second oldest among her siblings: James Moore Jr., Aaron Williams, Brenda Williams, Sandra Ann Moore, and Carolyn Williams. 

Sheila was a woman of creativity and passion. She was a talented beautician who loved doing hair, and she also had a gift for fashion, often designing and creating her own clothing. She spent many years managing Gates Bar-B-Q, where her voice and presence became unforgettable. Her signature greeting, “Hi, welcome to Gates. How may I help you?” will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Sheila was a fighter in every sense of the word. She endured and survived many of life’s hardships, yet she remained standing—strong, resilient, and unbreakable. Known as a hustler and entrepreneur, she carried herself with confidence and determination. Though petite in stature, she had a powerful presence—fierce, bold, and never to be underestimated. 

Sheila married Vanville Perry and from that union, was blessed with her only daughter, Vanessa Ann Perry. She later spent over 20 loving years with her life partner, Terry E. Savage-El, who remained by her side through her final days.

 Sheila’s personality was one of a kind. As Rick James once said, she was “cold-blooded”—tough, real, and unapologetically herself. She would cuss you out and love you at the same time. She loved to laugh, to gather, and to enjoy life. Her authenticity, strength, and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Moore Sr. and Rosie Lee Williams; her brother, James Moore Jr.; her sister, Sandra Ann Moore; and her niece, Talisha Williams. 

Left to cherish Sheila' s memory: her husband, Terry E. Savage-El, her loving daughter, Vanessa Ann Perry; her grandchildren: Sheena Perry, Rosalee Perry, Michael Perry, Marcos Fleming, and India Simba; her brother, Aaron Williams; her sisters, Brenda Jean Williams and Carolyn Williams; her nieces: Victoria James, Shawnta Addison, Dovie Williams, Evelyn Williams, Nicole Williams, and Karen Willams and her nephews, Randy Addison, Andre Johnson, Andrew Williams, Alarick Williams, James Moore, Tyrese Williams, Bryce Williams, and Kevin Williams, along with a host of extended family and loved ones including her bonus children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Sheila Perry was the matriarch, the backbone, and the strength of her family. Her life is a testament to endurance, courage, and unwavering resilience. She showed us that no matter what comes against you, you can survive it—and still stand strong. Though she is no longer with us in the physical, her spirit lives on through the family she built and the legacy she leaves behind. She will forever be remembered, deeply loved, and never forgotten. 

May God grant her eternal rest, and may her strength and legacy continue to live on through us all.