Evangelist Esther E. Perara

Searching Heaven for His angels on Saturday, December 19, 2020, God, in His infinite wisdom, chose His servant Evangelist Esther E. Perara, 81, of Goldsboro, NC. She peacefully passed in her residence with loved ones present. She is now rejoicing with her Lord and Savior. She was a loving, doting Servant of God, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend.

A native of Kokomo, IN, she was the daughter of the late George Cornelius Grady Jr. and Margaret Elizabeth Smith-Grady. She was married to the late CMSGT (Ret) Robert H. Perara, Sr., of Goldsboro, NC. 

Evangelist Esther Perara was a faithful military wife of nearly 27 years, served as an elderly attendant, and was an active member in the community. She was a volunteer at various organizations, to include Board of Elections, Soup Kitchens, Meals on Wheels, and Relay For Life, just to name a few; as well as a faithful member of the Goldsboro Messiah Chorus. 

She was a dedicated member of St. Mark Church of Christ, Disciples of Chris, where she faithfully served over half of her life. She led multiple ministries and groups, to include several different prison ministries and her beloved Cancer Support Group, which she was so proud to serve on and oversee, when needed.

She was consecrated as a Mother, faithfully supporting the programs of St. Mark Church and the Goldsboro-Raleigh District Assembly. After realizing and accepting her call, she enrolled and graduated from the Goldsboro Raleigh Disciple Institute, with her Bachelor of Science in Biblical Arts. She later preached her initial sermon and became an Ordained Evangelist, within the church.

Evangelist Perara was a faithful supporter of ministry, her pastor, and the church. She was well known for her amazing note taking skills often being able to transcribe sermons verbatim. She was an authentic praiser. No matter who, no matter how quiet, she would give God Glory in every worship service.

She was a lover of youth. At Christmas time, she would give her famous dollar coins to the young children within the church, along with a sweet note “Sweetheart, God loves you, Jesus loves you, and I do too”! She believed in missions, giving and helping everyone she could. 

She was predeceased in death by two brothers; the Late George E. Grady & the Late Robert C. Grady Sr. & grandson, Kevin Dwayne Perara, Jr.

Evangelist Esther Perara is survived by three sons: Keith Perara of Raleigh, NC, Kevin Perara of Hampton, VA, and Robert H. Perara Jr. (Lori) of Greensboro; two daughters, Mary Perara of Odenton, MD, and Margaret Perara of Goldsboro, NC; five grandchildren: Jason, Tiffany, Kayla, Adantre’ and Samantha; one sister, Norma Elaine Goudy, Madison, AL; two aunts: Mildred L. Lewis and Bertha M. (Rollie J. Paul Jr); six nieces: Margaret, Tanya, Mildred, Yvonne, LaTrivia, and Tiffany; four nephews: James, Allen, Robert, and Joshua; and five great-grandchildren; special friends, Al & Pearline Fitch, Dave & Hattie Harris, Ann Keller, Elder Doris Langston, and loving neighbors Jim & Nancy Moore.

A Contactless Walkthrough will be held Tuesday, December 29 from 3 - 6 PM at McIntyre Funeral Home Parlor. Graveside Services will be rendered on Wednesday, December 30 at 12:30PM at Wayne Memorial Park South Cemetery. A one hour prior viewing will also be held at Graveside. Professional Services entrusted to McIntyre Funeral Home LLC. 

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