Elizabeth Ann "Pinky" Perry Wilde

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Ann Perry Wilde, affectionately known as Ann or “Pinky” on April 15, 2025.

Ann passed peacefully surrounded by love and loved ones in the nearby beautiful home of her childhood best friend.  

Born on May 25, 1949 Ann was the youngest daughter of the late James B. Perry and Edith Perry.  A graduate of Wolfson High School, Class of 1967, Ann carried her tender heart, generosity, compassionate and kind nature into every chapter of her life.  She was as radiant on the inside as she was on the outside, a feisty, free-spirited beauty whose smile could light up any room.  

Ann spent most of her life in Fruit Cove, Florida on the Julington Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River where her and her two sisters were raised by the much loved Mr. And Mrs. Perry.   The Perry’s were well known throughout the community for their kindness, strong Christian values and the beloved Perry’s Cactus Gardens.   

After some time away Ann returned to the 3+ acres where her parents still lived in the water front home.  She moved into the family’s small cottage that also resided on the property, raising her 2 children in the idyllic rural neighborhood of Fruit Cove.  

A lifelong cosmetologist she dedicated her professional life to making others feel beautiful and special.  She had the gift of a gentle touch, and a genuine desire to make her clients feel good about themselves.  Her talent as a hair stylist was unmatched and many of her loyal clientele became lifelong friends.  In her late 30’s she realized her dream of owning and operating her own salon the Mane Exchange a unisex hair, skin and nail salon located on Hartley Rd. in Jacksonville.   After many years of success, passion and dedication to her business and clients she closed her doors only to find so many would continue to seek her out, refusing to let anyone else touch their hair.  Well into her 70’s she was working from home and making house calls to both loyal female and male clients.  Her innate empathy propelled her to donate her time and talent to communities of elderly, the forgotten or less fortunate as she believed they too deserved to feel beautiful.

After the passing of her mother, sale of the front acre and original waterfront family home, her father moved into her cottage and she devoted herself to his care until his passing some years later.   Ann remained in her little cottage on the remaining family property living out her days surrounded by the beauty and familiarity she cherished.  She found joy and peace tending to her father’s remaining cactus gardens,  caring for the lush grounds, her cozy cottage and watching the beautiful sunsets from her private dock overlooking the Julington Creek.  A lifetime lover of the outdoors, nature and the simple life became her sanctuary.    Over many years with the help of lifelong friends she created her own little oasis on her property of which she was immensely proud and in her element.   She enjoyed boating, sailing, gardening, caring for many stray and adopted animals.  She quietly embraced creativity in many forms such as sketching, writing, reading, yoga and playing the flute while embracing other forms of self expression and creativity more outwardly through her love of music and dancing when joining friends for entertainment outside her home.  

Her heart was vast and tender especially for animals and those in need but most notably she was a remarkably devoted and loving mother, grandmother, daughter and friend to so many.  She is survived by her daughter Kim Ann Pulido, son James Robert Wilde II, granddaughters Cynthia and LilyAna and her sisters Sara L. Heath and M. Joan Griffith.  She is also lovingly remembered by many extended family members, lifelong neighbors and friends.

Her legacy lies in her simple, unassuming kindness.  She was generous beyond measure, compassionate to her core and would give the shirt off her back even when she had very little to give.  Her life was a living example of humility and love in action.  She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

A celebration of life TBA in the coming weeks.  Please contact Kim for information.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ann’s honor to your local animal rescue, adoption center or no-kill shelter.