Perham, Byrda "Bertie" (Slocum) 1905-2007

PERHAM, SLOCUM, BAUGHMAN, BELKNAP

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2008 at 20:46:45

Byrda "Bertie" Perham was born on April 10, 1905, in Marion County to James L. and Minnie Alta Baughman Slocum.

The family moved to a farm north of town when she was quite young. She lived there until she married Leo Belknap at age 17. Soon this marriage ended in divorce. She worked for various restaurants and the VA Hospital while living with her parents.

Bertie moved to Des Moines in the early 1930s and lived with her brother Jim and his family, helping out while Jim's wife pursued a degree in osteopathic medicine. In 1942 she went to work for the Miller Wohl Co., selling ladies apparel and moved to an apartment downtown.

She married Goldie M. Perham in 1945. They worked in Des Moines moving to Knoxville after their retirement in the 1960s.

Bertie was one of the first residents of Park Lane Village in 2001. She was known to always be present at planned activities.

She was the family jokester and prankster. She also loved horses and while on the farm, could always be found near them. She was an active member of the Community of Christ Church and especially enjoyed Tuesday morning breakfast at Mr. C's with the older members of the church.

Bertie passed away on March 25, 2007, at the Knoxville Hospital at the age of 101.

Funeral services were held on March 29 at Evans-McCleery Funeral Home with Elder Bill McDonald officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 1986; an infant son, Philip; three sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Margaret Slocum of Knoxville; many nieces and nephews and her extended family at Park Lane Village.

Memorials may be made to the Park Lane Village Activity Fund.

The Knoxville Journal Express, April 5, 2007