Di Ann Callicott Perry is a native of Union City, Tennessee where she was born and raised. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and has done graduate work at Union University and Cumberland University.

She is a retired public-school teacher, having taught in the Union City School System, Obion County School System, and Wilson County Schools. In addition, she has taught English at UT-Martin and worked as a writing consultant in the Hortense Parrish Writing Center. Mrs. Perry has served on the Development Committee at UTM and served as chairman of the Friends of UTM. She was also a member of the SACS committee.

She is the mother of two daughters and one son. In addition, she has two grandsons. She is very active in the First Baptist Church of Nashville where she is a member of the Sanctuary Choir, Keyboards at Christmas, Encouragers, VBS, and an instructor in the Music Arts Camp.

Mrs. Perry is actively involved in various community activities, including the parent group of Mount Juliet Christian Academy, where her son attends.