Byrda Nell (Bert) Southard Perry Vandiver, 90, of Franklin died Thursday, June 4, 2015, at Grandview Manor in Franklin.
A native of Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Frank John Southard and Pearl Sanders Southard of the Cartoogechaye Community. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Perry, Jr., who died in 1975; daughter, Deborah Ann Perry Thomas who died in 1980 and by her second husband, Comer Vandiver, of Helen, Ga. After her marriage to Comer Vandiver, Bert resided in Helen while maintaining her home in Franklin. After a recent period of declining health, she returned to Franklin. Bert attended Blanton's Business College in Asheville, and retired from the US Forest Service in Macon County. While living in Franklin, she was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, was involved with the local Democratic Party and was a member of First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her son, James E. Perry, III; granddaughter, Betina Perry Freeman and husband Josh and great-granddaughter, Haley Freeman, all of Franklin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 9th at 11 AM in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Janet Greene will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Vic Perry, Ronnie Ledford, Doug Tallent, Josh Freeman and Joe Burst.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Angel Hospice General Fund, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com