Perry, Lillian Dunn, 1914-2002
Biographical Note
Lillian Dunn Perry was born in New Orleans on October 24, 1914, the second daughter of Rev. Henderson H. Dunn (who, at that time, led the Central Congregational Church) and Lillian Landry Dunn. After finishing Straight University High School, she entered the Valena C. Jones Normal School from which she graduated in 1933. Lillian Dunn Perry continued her formal education by earning both a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dillard University and a Masters of Arts degree from the Teachers College of Columbia University in New York City. In 1933, Lillian began her career in education by serving as the Ranking Teacher of Lockett Elementary School in New Orleans. Lillian went on to develop a music program that included choirs, individual vocalists, and operettas. She taught music education for a number of years in Tulane University’s summer school.
For seventeen years, Lillian Dunn Perry was the pianist for the New Orleans City Council. For her contribution to the Council meetings, she was named Musician laureate of New Orleans City Council. She also played for the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, as well as acting as leader for the National Association of Negro Musicians. Lillian was the founder, director, and accompanist of the Robert N. Perry Singers of the B-Sharp Music Club. After serving as President of the B-Sharp Music Club for twenty-five years, Lillian was elected President Emeritus. Lillian also served as President of Dillard University’s Alumni Association and represented the Association on the Board of Trustees. At Central Congregational UCC, Lillian was the organist for the Junior Choir, a Chorister for adults, and Director of the Sanctuary Choir. She served as Secretary of the Deaconate, Director of Vacation Bible School, and Chair of both the Lenten and Advent Retreats. She represented Central Church as member of the Board of Directors of the Greater New Orleans Federation of Churches and shared her leadership abilities and musical talent with Church Women United. Until her death in 2002, Lillian held active membership in AARP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the New Orleans Chapter of Friends of Amistad, the auxiliary of Lafon Nursing Home of the Sisters of Holy Family, Pendleton Methodist Hospital, the Mayor’s Committee on Aging, the Piazza d’Italia, the Post Master Customer Service, the Rachel Circle, the Widows Group of Bethany United Methodist Church, and the Board of Directors of the YMCA.
Lillian Dunn Perry and her husband, Robert Nathaniel Perry II, worked to enhance the quality of life for African Americans living in the racially and economically segregated Louisiana of the 1930’s to 1960’s, acting as educators, musicians, Christian leaders, journalists, and civil rights activists. They dedicated their work to preparing children and youth intellectually, culturally, and spiritually, to facilitate their lives as responsible citizens. The parents of both Robert and Lillian played major roles in their local and wider churches. Their fathers were educated ministers, while their mothers worked to educate within the Christian community. Lillian Dunn Perry’s mother also served for years as the minister of music at Central Congregational United Church of Christ in New Orleans.