Shannon Perry, a Cypress-area resident, loves to spread the message of hope, love and perseverance with her music and speaking engagements at area churches.

Perry is scheduled for a national tour with her latest seminar, “If The Shoe Fits.”

Her fourth CD, The Real Thing, will be released in August 2009.

She designed “If The Shoe Fits” to teach women the importance of healthy relationships with themselves, others and God.

“This was born out of my own life experiences,” Perry said. “This event will incorporate fun and biblical principles that applies to women’s lives. This was developed by God to show a balance and purpose in life. We have to put that in practice.”

Dottie Redmond is the women’s minister at First Baptist Church in Pasadena, 75 North Marengo Avenue.

She hired Perry to speak for their biannual women’s dinner held on April 23, 2009. She said it was Perry’s “enthusiasm, sincerity, and beautiful spirit” that caught the attention of the crowd.

“Her love for the Lord is contagious,” Redmond said. “She reaches out and speaks to people. It touches your heart right where you are. Our ladies loved her. She’s real and genuine.”

Dave Peterson, senior pastor at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, has known Perry for more than eight years.

Perry is part of the worship and music leadership team at Peterson’s church.
“She definitely feels a strong calling to do this work,” Peterson said. “She cares a lot about people. She’s warm and strong in her faith. Everything she does is with a deep commitment to God.”

Perry, a native Houstonian, was raised near Pearland as the only child of Aaron and Peggy Dykes.

She grew up singing in the choir at South Houston High School, 3820 South Shaver Street, and at Woodridge Baptist Church, originally in Gulfgate Mall.

“My first solo was at Woodridge Baptist Church where I sang in front of 500 people,” Perry said. “I was in musicals at school and received a vocal scholarship to college.”
Perry graduated from South Houston High School in 1985.

In 1989, she graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a degree in education.

She then received her master’s degree from SFA State University in 1991 in counseling.

This led Perry to her career as a counselor with the Cy-Fair school district where she worked until 2003 at Reed Elementary, 8700 Tami Renee.

During her time as a counselor, Perry was recording music and speaking at women’s conferences.

“In 2005, I had the opportunity to go full time with Chae Music,” said Perry, a former member of the Praise Team at The Met Church, 13000 Jones Road.

“I love to meet people. I most enjoy meeting women and sharing stories,” Perry said. “This is my time to show them my heart, pray and encourage them.”

Perry’s efforts resulted in three CDS, Tell the Story, Reflections, and Safe Place.

Her talents led her to perform with Calvin Hunt of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in New York and Jonathan Pierce of the Gaither Vocal Band.

She also has led praise and worship services at annual conferences for the Christian based company, Life Way held in New Mexico and North Carolina and at various nationwide women’s conferences.

Perry is working on a book scheduled for release in 2010.

Her inspiration is the audience she reaches.

“I have a passion for this,” Perry said. “Everybody is touched by music. The people are very supportive. I can make an impact on them.”

In her free time, Perry, a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, enjoys riding horses and spending time with her husband, David, son, Sean, and friends.