Perla Joy Furr

Perla Joy Furr, 87, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Born on February 19, 1938, to Beatrice and Edward Norris Sr., she was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At the age of 18, she married Leon Lewis Furr Jr., the love of her life. He survives her and treasures the 69 years they shared together. She is also deeply missed by her children—Michael Furr, Mark Furr, Angela Hofmann, and Beth Furr, her 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren —as well as her sister, Pamela Norris, and brother, Stafford Norris. She is preceded in death by her sister Jacqueline Norris and brother Edward Norris Jr.

Perla led a bold and boundary-breaking life. She began her career as a fashion model at a time when few women of color were represented in the industry. Her love of movement led her to study ballet and yoga before founding her own dance school and establishing a Choreographers Group that nurtured countless artists. Through it all, she raised four children, instilling in them fierce independence, creativity, and the warmth of a family nourished around the table—body and soul.

Her life was one of courage, artistry, and enduring love. Her spirit lives on in every person she inspired.

A celebration of Perla’s joyous life will be held on April 19, 2025. To attend, please contact the family for details. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Youth America Grand Prix Scholarship Fund.