Janneah Dinester Perry

Obituary For Janneah Dinester Perry

ORDER OF SERVICE:

We're celebrating Janneah exactly how she would've wanted—reflections of love, stories, and style.

Join us on Saturday, May 31st from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at RTP Community Church in Durham as we honor her life, her legacy, and all the beauty she brought to this world. Come dressed in love, not all black—and if you really want to channel her style, wear your best hat. She'd love that.

Huge thank you to everyone who has already donated, reached out, and shown love. If you'd like to participate, support or be part of the program (prayer, a few words, or bringing food) or contribute any other way you feel led, please let us know.

And yes—the GoFundMe is still live and every share, prayer, and donation is appreciated. You're helping us give Janneah the send-off she deserves.

🔗 https://gofund.me/3c65f7ec

📲 Charity 9199370627

OBITUARY:

Janneah Dinester Perry, affectionately known as "Muffin", "Jan", and "AuntieMa," of Durham, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the age of 43. She transitioned peacefully at Duke University Medical Center while recovering from hand surgery.

Janneah was born and raised in Durham, where she graduated from Southern High School. She went on to pursue higher education at Barton College and Durham Technical Community College before proudly earning her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University in 2011 with honors and distinction, majoring in Textile Merchandising and Design with a minor in Accounting. While at NCCU, she was an active and vibrant participant in campus fashion shows—winning accolades and pouring hours into her sewing creations alongside her friends Carl, Shevonne, Cassie, and others.

She later earned a cosmetology certification from Miller-Motte College in Raleigh, NC and was state licensed by the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Though she wasn't immediately drawn to the field, her passion grew as she practiced. What began as doing the nails of her nieces Charity and Cana and mother Esther blossomed into a full-fledged career as the owner and artist behind Becki Jane Designs. Her creativity, care, and attention to detail gained her a loyal client base and a reputation for excellence.

Janneah's work history was just as diverse and committed—spanning food service, customer care at Harris Teeter, and home health aide roles. She secured her dream job working for Wake County Southgate Community Library for years. She worked tirelessly and was proud of her independence, especially her beloved green Toyota Avalon, which she affectionately called her "green mobile."

A lover of life, Janneah enjoyed traveling and cruising to destinations like the Bahamas, Jamaica, Miami, Las Vegas, and beyond. She was passionate about food and exploring healthier living in her later years, celebrating milestones such as being smoke-free for over three years. Even after a car accident that could have left her broken, she persevered, using it as motivation to embrace life even more boldly, with gratitude and grace.

Although she didn't have children of her own, for the past seven years she embraced the role of "AuntMa" to her grandnephew, Tyrin-Evan Neptune. She helped raise him like a second mother—taking him to school, teaching him how to ride a bike, playing Kirby's Epic Yarn, visiting the zoo, riding trains, and creating cherished holiday traditions. Her love and dedication helped shape the young boy's life and will remain with him forever.

Janneah is survived by her loving mother, Esther Perry; her brother, Carrington [Alani] Perry; her sister, Samantha Perry; her nephew, Christian-Tanner Perry; her nieces, Charity [Joshua] Neptune and Cana Perry; and her treasured grandnephew, Tyrin-Evan Neptune. She also leaves behind her beloved aunts, Ella Walker, Charity [Charles] Greene, and Kelly Herndon; her best friends Shevonne Pearson, Bennie Thomas, Carl Lindsey McLaurin, Cassie Statton, a large extended family of cousins, friends, adored pets, and a supportive community who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Jones; her great-grandparents, Murlee Owens and Charlie Caldwell; her grandparents, McGrady Perry McPhatter, [Step] George Millard Perry, and Augustus Herndon; and a host of loving uncles, aunts, and cousins who welcomed her home.

Janneah's legacy will live on through the lives she touched, the beauty she created, and the love she gave so freely. She will be remembered for her strength, creativity, humor, and her caring open heart.