The City of Perryville proclaimed Jan. 30 as Dorothy Barry Day to honor a woman whose quiet faith, service and generosity helped shape one of the community’s most enduring ministries.
Barry, who recently celebrated her 101st birthday, was recognized by Mayor Larry Riney through an official city proclamation commending her long life, commitment to serving others and foundational role in establishing the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store, a local institution that continues to support neighbors in need.
According to the proclamation, Barry and her husband, Don, were among the original founders and volunteers who helped bring the thrift store to life. What began as a small, faith-driven effort has grown into a vital community resource, transforming everyday donations and purchases into tangible assistance for individuals and families facing hardship.
Andy Graf, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, said Barry’s influence extended far beyond the store’s early years.
“She outlined the whole history of the society here in Perryville for me,” Graf said. “It was originally very much a men’s organization, but the women did a tremendous amount of the work. When the idea of opening a thrift store came up, the women were the ones saying, ‘We know how you can do this. Let us in.’ Dorothy was right there in the middle of that.”
Graf said Barry worked in and supported the thrift store for years and remained deeply connected to its mission long after stepping back from day-to-day involvement.
“She has a special place in my heart,” he said. “Whenever I see her, her eyes light up. She squeezes my hands and tells me she knows there’s a good person in charge. That means more than she’ll ever know.”
Mayor Riney formally honored Barry by declaring Dorothy Barry Day and encouraged residents to join in celebrating her 101 years of life and service. The proclamation, issued Jan. 30 and signed by the mayor, even referred to Barry as the “queen of the thrift store,” a phrase that drew smiles from those who know her accomplishments best.
Barry’s story is also closely tied to others who helped establish the thrift store in its earliest days, including Robert “Bob” Ray, who passed away earlier this year. Ray, along with Barry, her husband, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, helped guide the thrift store from a modest beginning into a cornerstone of community outreach.
“Bob Ray was one of those people who would give you the shirt off his back,” Graf said. “He and the others dedicated countless hours because they knew the funds from that store were going straight back to people who needed help.”
Family members and friends recently gathered to celebrate Barry’s milestone birthday, marking not only her longevity but a lifetime defined by faith, humility and service — values that continue to live on through the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and the community it serves.
