Shirley Elaine Perkins' Obituary
Surrounded by a loving and devoted family, Shirley Elaine Perkins received her heavenly reward on December 23, 2018, at the age of 82. She was born in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, on December 1, 1936 to Luther Humbles and Willie Sullivan Humbles.
Shirley grew up in Louisiana with her two sisters, Nyla and Jenelle, and attended Buckeye schools. At age 17, she married the love of her life, Dale D. Perkins, and together they established a home where God was honored and ministry was a priority. While raising five children, Shirley earned a bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist College and dedicated over twenty-five years to teaching first-grade music classes at Pine Tree Primary School. Her teaching position at Pine Tree ISD beautifully coupled her love of music with her love of children.
Shirley actively participated in church ministry alongside Dale, Sr. for 64 years, 40 of which were dedicated to their beloved Mobberly Baptist Church. For decades, Shirley contributed to the soprano section in adult choir, participated in ladies ensemble, directed children’s choir, and led worship through solo music--as recently as two month before her death.
Those left to cherish her memory are husband Dale Perkins and children Dale. D. Perkins, II and wife, Mignon of Atlanta; Renee Hamilton and husband, Scott of Longview; Tina Cooper and husband, Jon of Longview; Stacy Perkins and wife, Missi of Lufkin; and Clay Perkins and wife, Stacey of Longview; grandchildren Amber (Kent), Aaron (Jennifer), Adam (Danielle), Alese (Dustin), Marshal (Anna), Macy (Kyle), Mindy, Mathis, Drew, Cheyenne (Josh), Collin, Carly, Cole, Madison, Makenna, Rylan, and Caden; sisters Nyla Perkins (Alvin) and Jenelle Brown (David); dear friend Paula McKinley; an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
With a gentle and quiet spirit, Shirley loved her family well, always putting others first. The embodiment of the Proverbs 31 woman, our Nana / Mama / wife was more precious to us than jewels, and we readily rise up and call her blessed. From her new home in Heaven, may Shirley witness the Perkins family’s life verse come to fruition: “As for me, this is my promise to them,” says the Lord: “My Holy Spirit shall not leave them, and they shall want the good and hate the wrong, they, and their children, and their children’s children, forever.” Isaiah 59:21
The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. A celebration service of Shirley’s life will be held Friday, December 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Woodland Hills Baptist Church with the Reverend Charles Hunt officiating under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview, Texas.
Memorials may be made to Perkins Partnership Ministry to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in our local community and around the world.
Perkins Partnership Ministries
ppmhasit.org
1125 Judson Plaza Suite 182
Longview, Texas 75601
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