Nancy Kaye Perry

Nancy Kaye Perry, 75, of Jonesboro, formerly of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Bernards Medical Center. She was born August 30, 1950, in Elgin, Illinois, to the late Lawrence and Mabel McGowen. Nancy was a Christian of the Baptist faith.

She worked for Frolic Footwear for over 20 years before later in life becoming a caregiver. Nancy had a big heart and loved caring for others; she took in all her children and grandchildren’s friends. Everyone called her Mamaw no matter who she was talking to. Nancy always found the good in everyone. She helped take care of her family and loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. Nancy enjoyed watching game shows such as Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Judge Judy.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her daughter, Amy Perry McCray; her sister, Jeanie Glasco; and her brother, Jimmy McGowen.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Charles “Butch” Perry of the home; her son, Joey (Hollie) Perry of Jonesboro; her daughter, Kaylei (Cole Miller) Perry of Jonesboro; her stepson, David (Katie) Zacharias of Lockport, Illinois; her sisters, Norma Faye King and Theresa McGowan, both of Jonesboro; 4 grandchildren, Ella Pery, Jaxon Perry, Bruce Perry and Silas McCray all of Jonesboro; 4 bonus grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel.

All other services are private.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to SmileTrain, smiletrain.org/donate