Pansie Mae (Crace) Perkins was born May 24, 1917 in Johnson County, Kentucky and passed away May 18, 2012, just six days short of her 95th birthday, in Anderson County, Tennessee, where she had made her home for the past 16 years. She was the daughter of the late Warnie and Goldie (Conley) Crace of Jackson, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Ralph E. Perkins, in 1998; as well as one sister, all seven of her brothers; her daughter-in-law Patricia; several brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; three nephews; and two nieces-in-law.
She is however survived by a large and loving family whom include her four sons; Eddie Perkins of Clinton, TN, Ronald and daughter-in-law Redda of Barbourville, KY, Woodie and daughter-in-law Sue of Monticello, GA and Larry and daughter-in-law Betty of Clinton, TN.
To her credit are ten grandchildren; Dawn Perkins of Cincinnati, OH, Ronny Perkins-Goss (Ray) of Barbourville, KY, Rodney Perkins (Brenda) of Ft. Pierce, FL, R. Edgar Perkins (Carolyn) of Pt. St. Lucie, FL, Rachel Perkins-Raos (Christopher) of Pt. St. Lucie, FL, R. Glynn Perkins (Jamie) of Pt. St. Lucie, FL, Eric Perkins (Melissa) of Monticello, GA, Jeffrey Perkins Sr. (Kathy) of Clinton, TN, Tammy Perkins-Cagle (Steven) of Clinton, TN, and Carolyn Perkins-Pierce of Oak Ridge, TN. Her family also includes 14 great-grandchildren; Maya, Megan, Ryan, Sabrina, Tyler, Emalee, Victoria, Kaley, Jeffrey, Amanda, Matthew, Kennedy, Lucas, and Lauren. She was also blessed with three great-great-grandchildren; Adam, Brandon-Michael, and Abigail; with one on the way…
Pansie leaves her six sisters whom she loved so dearly; Mary Crace-Smith of S. Amherst, OH, Jessie Crace-Abraham of S. Amherst, OH, Suzie Crace-Schaaf and brother-in-law Lee of Dayton, OH, Sarah Crace-Wright and brother-in-law James (Crick) of Jackson, OH, Carolyn Crace-Scurlock of Jackson, OH, Linda Crace-Ervin and brother-in-law Larry of Jackson, OH. Also, sisters-in-law Marvine Crace-Westfall of Elyria, OH and Della Crace of Jackson, OH along with four generations of nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Pansie began working at a very young age as was the custom of her generation. Being the eldest of 15 children she wore many hats during her lifetime. When she was a teenager she moved from the country into town and took a position as a nanny for twin girls. In that capacity she learned many useful skills. At the age of 19 she married her afore mentioned husband, Ralph, and they began their family. After her children where older she was then employed by the Hercules Trouser Company. She retired in 1964 so that she could travel more with her husband, which, in fact they were privileged to do. They had traveled to almost all of the continental United States and parts of Europe. She loved to travel and had a voracious love of reading. She also enjoyed crafting, exploring, and walking in the woods… a love she shared with her father!
Pansie was a good and faithful woman! As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses she worked hard to uphold her beliefs, and to always keep her faith! Her faith was a love she shared with her mother! Pansie became associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses during the 1940s. However, was not baptized until she was into her seventies. Once stating… “You’re never too old to learn to love Jehovah!” She will be sadly missed and forever loved; however, she has left us a legacy of love and celebration!
Calling hours will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, at 12 p.m., at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Dean Greer and Larry Ervin officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Ridge Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.