Biography: ELIZABETH WELTY PERRY, of Little Rock, was born in Laredo, Missouri, in 1915 and died in Little Rock on September 23, 2008 following a lengthy illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Jesse Albert Welty and Bessie Kemp Srite Welty, husband James Claude Perry, brother and sister-in-law Frank Nelson Welty and Emogene Sparks Welty, and niece Flo Gene Barnum. Elizabeth Perry is survived by her sister, Sarah Welty Betzner, niece Suzann Welty Barr (John), nephew James Frank Betzner (Lynne), and niece Sheri McDaniels, all of Little Rock; nephew William Brooks Betzner, Jr., of Hazen; nieces Linda Rutledge (Don) of Springdale; Camille Vest (Ron) of Russellville; Cecille Green (John) of Monticello; Ruth McClellan of Pine Bluff; Frances Dee Hart of North Little Rock; Mara Gene Hansen (Jerry) of Graham, Washington; great nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends. Elizabeth Welty Perry grew up in De Valls Bluff, AR, completed college at Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway (now UCA), and enjoyed a long and fruitful career as a first-grade teacher. She began teaching in Oklahoma. For many years, she taught in Forrest City, Holly Grove, and Wilson, AR, where she retired as elementary school librarian at Rivercrest School. Throughout her career, she was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma teaching organization. In 1941, Elizabeth Welty married James Claude (Zebe) Perry, a marriage that lasted 57 years. Despite her own fragile health, Elizabeth managed her husband’s care at home in Forrest City for two years prior to his death. In each place of residence, Elizabeth and Zebe enjoyed longlasting friendships. Following their retirement, they were very active in Forrest City First United Methodist Church. Elizabeth was well known as a gracious hostess and superb cook. She was truly an Arkansas Delta lady. The family is grateful to the caring medical and administrative staff of Nursing and Rehab at Good Shepherd, to staff at Pleasant Hills Retirement Community, and to former caregivers there. Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com, 6313 West Markham in Little Rock, is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be at Ruebel from 10:00-12:00 Saturday, September 27. A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in De Valls Bluff, AR., at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. Memorials for Elizabeth Welty Perry may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi, Little Rock, AR 72207; Lutheran High School, 6711 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205; the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Col. Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210; or a charity of choice.