Beatrice was a beautiful, graceful, intelligent woman who gave selflessly of herself. She entered this world on May 2, 1932, her dedication and steadfast devotion ensured that she evolved to become a wonderful example of strength and resilience to her children, family and friends.

She was born to the late Helen Marie Taylor and John Nelson Perry in Marion Station, Maryland.  She lived with her paternal grandmother, Emma Hall, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland until the age of 12, and then later moved with her parents and five siblings to Baltimore, Maryland. She was the oldest sister to John Nelson Perry, Beulah Hawkins, Dorthea Mason, Phyllis Smith, Isaac Perry, and the late Gloria Christian and Joseph Perry. It was while working at a laundry mat on Baltimore’s East side, that she met and later married the late Avon Dennis. The couple married on September 11, 1950 and from this union six beautiful children were created. They are the late Dr. Phillip Martin Dennis, Avon Leslie Dennis, Kenneth Dennis, the late Gwennay Denise Cunningham, Antoinette Evette Dennis and Neil Dennis.

In her earlier years, Beatrice instilled the desire for continued education in all her children and grandchildren. At a time when woman where expected to only maintain the home and family, Beatrice at the age of 53 continued her education and graduated with a B.A in Psychology from Morgan State University, walking alongside her son, Avon Dennis, as he graduated with his Master’s in 1985. She studied hard at night and in the early hours of the morning, while operating her own daycare business at Saint James & John’s Catholic School; as well as raising her two grandchildren Shaun and Nicole Dennis during the day.  After graduation, she was employed by the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, investigating instances of child abuse. She was loved by her coworkers and the families she tirelessly served, until her retirement from the department in 1994.

Beatrice Dennis leaves to celebrate her legacy:  Three sons Kenneth Dennis, Neil Dennis (Daughter – in- law, Gwen Dennis) of Baltimore, MD. and Avon Dennis of Hampton, VA, one daughter Antoinette Dennis of Hampton, VA., one daughter –in-law Marie Dennis of Smithfield, VA, 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, brother, John Nelson Perry II, sisters Dorthea Mason (brother- in- law Howard Mason), Phyllis Smith (brother –in- law William Smith), Beaulah Hawkins and a host of nieces and nephews (no really, there are a ton of them).  

She was our matriarch.  Our link to the past, but consistently pushing us forward and encouraged us to reach for greatness. Every trip to her home was coupled with past stories, lessons and her gorgeous smile.  She made us laugh, she made us think. We were blessed by her presence and grateful for the time we were granted with her.