Darlene Perkins

“For everything there is season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to harvest.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 A TIME TO BE BORN The life of Darlene Hudson Perkins was a life of unending generosity, dedicated service, and unwavering faith. The first of four children, she was born to the late Carl and Bobie Ruth McMorris Hudson on October 29, 1946. Darlene spent her childhood growing up in the communities of Babylon and Josey Creek, where she gained her spiritual and educational foundations. She accepted Christ at the age of 10 at Josey Creek Missionary Baptist Church. The seeds of the woman she would become were planted during these formative years. A TIME TO GROW At the age of 4, Darlene began school before consolidation and attended the following community schools: Gum Bottom, Mt. Airy, Muldrow, and Josey Creek. At 16, she graduated from Henderson High School in 1963. After graduation, she attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS, and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in May 1967. She furthered her education at Mississippi State University, where she became a certified librarian and received a Master’s Degree in Special Education. In August 1967, she began her career as a 4th grade teacher at Maben Elementary School. In 1972, she continued her career in the Starkville School District as a special education teacher at Starkville High School and Ward Elementary School. She retired after 29 years. Aside from her primary profession as an educator, she was also a bus driver, tax preparer, and a real estate agent. Her desire to invest in the lives of students compelled her to work after retirement as a long-term sub. Her work ethic, craftiness, and effectiveness were second to none. She selflessly gave of herself, her time, and her resources. She was loved by students, faculty, and staff alike. A TIME TO SOW Darlene’s life was dedicated to sowing into her family, church, and community. After marriage, she joined Mt. Peiler Missionary Baptist Church and served in many capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Director of BTU, Youth Department Leader, Librarian, Vacation Bible School Leader, Chancel Choir Member, Missionary Society Member, Scholarship Committee Member, Program Committee Member, Children’s Church Staff, and as a member of the Deaconess, Usher, and Widows’ Ministries. She was also a founding member of the L.I.F.T. (Living in Faith Today) Ministry. Her dedicated service was recognized by the church when she was named Mother of the Year. Her zeal for God and desire to provide enjoyable, authentic, and thought-provoking ministry opportunities were illustrated by her directing plays such as “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames”, “Church Meeting”, and “My Easter Speech.” She served her community as a member of the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Home Mission Society, Zola Kumba, Starkville-Tougaloo Alumni Club (Past President), Board of Realtors, and other organizations, but it was not her membership in these organizations that made her special. It was her life, which was characterized by random acts of kindness, that set her apart. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds. It wasn’t unusual for her to cook a full meal for a bereaved family, to send small gifts to brighten someone’s day, or to offer a word of encouragement at a divinely orchestrated time. She left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was truly an angel on earth. A TIME TO LOVE Darlene served her family as a devoted and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. On December 25, 1968, she married the love of her life, Tommy James Perkins, Sr., and they enjoyed 48 years of holy matrimony. The Lord blessed them with two children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She provided her family with unconditional love and support. Her love was not limited to her immediate family but was also shared with her extended family and beyond. A TIME TO HARVEST Darlene completed her earthly assignment and was received by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 16, 2022, to reap the rewards of her fruitful, earthly journey. A TIME TO MOURN She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Bobie Ruth Hudson; husband, Tommy Perkins, Sr.; brother, Cleveland Hudson; and two grandsons, Treivon Lindsey and Tommy Perkins, III. She leaves to cherish her memories two devoted children, Xavier Lyzette Perkins and Tommy James Perkins, Jr., both of Starkville, MS; three grandchildren, Tierra, Zoe, and Paris; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kylan, and Zion; one sister, Helen Zuber, and one brother, Leonard Hudson, both of Starkville, MS; special cousin, Marietta Wheeler of Starkville, MS; special siblings, Bobby (Helen) Hudson of Fayetteville, NC; Fredrick (Cheryl) Hudson of San Antonio, TX; Greg (Beneva) Hudson and Malinda Brown of Starkville, MS; John Hudson and Myrtle Hudson of Ann Arbor, MI; Ben Hudson of New Orleans, LA; Marcella Hudson of Lansing, MI; and Selma (Hugh) Davis of Jackson, MS; brothers-in-law, Charles (Teresa) Perkins of Memphis, TN; Roy (Shirley) Perkins of Starkville, MS; and Leonard Evans of Decatur, IL; sister-in-law, Pearlie Perkins of Starkville, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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Darlene Perkins

October 29, 1946 - April 16, 2022