Barbara Christine Yelton Perry

Barbara Christine Yelton Perry of Salisbury passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Novant Health/Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House. She was born on March 30, 1943, in Hillsborough County, Florida, the daughter of the late Paul David Yelton and the late Carrie Mitchell Stewart Yelton. Barbara was a graduate of Greensboro Women’s College which is now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir, served on the Vestry as Senior Warden, St. Luke’s Foundation, Mission Committee as chairperson, the Altar Guild, Habitat Build as co-chairperson, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at Rowan Helping Ministries shelter. Barbara will long be remembered as a tireless civic volunteer, initiating and guiding many community efforts. Her ability to read the political barometer made her extremely effective. She had a world-class memory for details, and she had a way of convincing people to do things they may not have “volunteered” for on their own – but always for the good of the Salisbury community. Barbara was a volunteer on Salisbury community and city boards for over 40 years, serving on Salisbury’s very first Community appearance Commission (1980) and continuing to serve throughout the years (many as chairperson). She was part of the initial group to make Hurley Park a reality in 1984 and was instrumental in the formation of the Public Art committee (2003), its transformation into a Public Arts Commission in 2022, and all its programs including the History and Art Trail, Salisbury Sculpture Show (which won the 2016 National Mayor’s Council Award), and several permanent art installations around the downtown area. Barbara assisted in the creation of the city’s annual BlockWork project (which won the National Make A Difference Day Award in 2011). She helped lead the formation of the Housing Advocacy Commission in 2015 and served as its first chair. She served on and often chaired many other boards and committees including the the Hurley Park Board, the Tree Board, Salisbury Symphony Board, Habitat for Humanity, Historic Salisbury Foundation, October Tour, Rowan Arts Council, the Tourism and Cultural Development Commission, the Community Care Clinic, Dixonville-Lincoln Memorial Task Force, the city’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and was also part of the Action for Faith and Justice when the Equal Justice Initiative Marker was installed on North Church Street. Barbara received several notable commendations for her community efforts including James A. Dunn Award in 2008 for outstanding dedication and support of beautification, an Award of Appreciation from the Community Appearance Commission in 2013 for exceptional service as the commission chair (May2005-April 2013), the Salisbury Mayors Cup in 2014, and the Elizabeth Duncan Koontz award in 2017. In 2023, Mayor Karen Alexander honored Barbara with the coveted key to the city for her 40-plus years of dedicated volunteerism and community service. Barbara leaves an indelible mark on the city she loved. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Braswell Perry. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Braswell Perry, Jr.; daughters, Elizabeth Perry Bullock and Cynthia Perry Borjes; brothers, David Ronald Yelton and wife Kathy and Paul David Yelton. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Perry family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Christine Yelton Perry

March 30, 1943 - August 22, 2026