Deacon JW Perkins Sr.

Some lives are measured by the number of years lived. Others are measured by the countless lives they touch. Deacon JW Perkins Sr. lived a life defined not by titles or possessions, but by unwavering faith, quiet strength, humble service, and an enduring love for God, his family, and his community. JW was born on June 30, 1941, in Bulloch County, Georgia, to the late Jesse and Mattie Sue Perkins. The third oldest child and the oldest son of a large family, he learned early that life was built on responsibility, perseverance, and honest work, lessons that shaped his character and remained the foundation upon which he built his entire life. Although his formal education was limited, his wisdom was extraordinary. He possessed practical knowledge, sound judgment, and quiet discernment that no classroom could teach. He believed a person's word mattered, that hard work was honorable, and that respect was something you freely gave to everyone. A man of few words, he spoke only, when necessary, but when he did, his words carried power and meaning, because they were spoken with sincerity, experience, and conviction. If he agreed with what you were saying, his familiar response was always, "You got that right." And when the joy of the Lord filled his heart, his praise became contagious as he enthusiastically proclaimed, "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! I feel good y'all!" Those words became part of who he was, and they remain cherished memories for everyone blessed to hear them. Seeking greater opportunities, JW relocated to South Florida in the early 1970s. Shortly after arriving, he united with Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, where he built lifelong friendships and strengthened his walk with Christ. In the early 1980s, he became a devoted member of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Samuel S. Read, and on November 28, 2004, he was ordained as a Deacon, a calling he carried faithfully for more than twenty years. His service was never about recognition; it was simply an extension of the servant's heart he carried throughout his life. In July 1983, JW met the love of his life, Gloria Jean Brown, and on November 19, 1983, the two were united in holy matrimony. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, commitment, and unconditional love that spanned more than four decades. Their home became a place where family was cherished, faith was lived, and everyone knew they were welcome. A skilled cement finisher and respected independent contractor, JW worked alongside Bobby and Jerry Goodson, earning a reputation for excellence, integrity, and reliability. His hands helped lay foundations throughout Georgia and South Florida, but the greatest foundation he ever built was the example he set for those who watched him live. Even after illness forced him into retirement, his work ethic never faded working hard was not merely his occupation; it was one of the ways he demonstrated love for his family. Though he answered many names, each reflected a different chapter of a life dedicated to others. To his church family, he was Deacon Perkins. To neighbors and friends throughout the community, he was affectionately known as “J” or JDub. To the family who has known him since childhood, he would always be Boy or Doug. And to his grandchildren, he was simply Papa or Grandpa. Away from work and church, JW found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing, faithfully cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys, and relaxing on the front porch of his home. That porch became one of his favorite places not because of the view, but because of the people. It was where conversations were shared, laughter echoed, wisdom was offered, and friendships were strengthened. It perfectly reflected the kind of man he was approachable, welcoming, and genuinely interested in others. After all, he never met a stranger. More than anything else, JW loved the Lord, loved his family, and lived a life of integrity. His quiet example taught lessons words never could. His faith inspired others, his humility earned respect, and his love created a legacy that will continue through every generation of his family. On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, God in His infinite wisdom called His faithful servant home. He departed this life peacefully at Grady Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Though his earthly journey has ended, the impact of his life will continue to be seen in every life he touched, every lesson he taught, every prayer he prayed, and every memory lovingly shared. His legacy is found not only in what he accomplished, but in the character with which he lived each day. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Perkins Sr. and Mattie Sue Perkins; a sister, Shirley Mikell; 6 brothers, Baby Perkins, George Perkins, Emory Perkins, Bernice Perkins, Jesse Perkins Jr., and Melvin Perkins; 4 grandchildren, Angel Perkins, Anthony "AJ" Perkins Jr., Rodtavis Platt, and Adrian Perkins; and 2 great grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Gloria Perkins; nine children, Rev. Dr. Linda Perkins McRae (Rev. Ronald) Winston Salem, NC, JW Perkins Jr. (Louise) Richland, WA, Betty Perkins, Atlanta, GA, Anthony Perkins (Nadine), Douglasville, GA, Teresa Platt, Hinesville, GA, Darrick Brown, Boynton Beach, FL, Chantelle Davis (Randell) Boynton Beach, FL, Corey Johnson, Boynton Beach, FL and Jozelle Johnson, Atlanta, GA; 37 grandchildren, Montayae Smith (Minister Lavorice), Constance Obaseki (Clement), Ronald Ordarian McRae, Lenward Smith, Raheem McRae, Vikki McRae, Shonise McRae, Christopher McRae, Tina Perkins, Jawana Hommer, Skye Perkins, Juliun Perkins, Jordan Perkins, Jada Perkins, Asha Bynes, Antonio Mahone Perkins, Amon Mahone Perkins, Nyla Perkins, Jahmal Bryan, Jonnequa Brown (Clarence), Ashuanti Richmond (Travis), Veronica Smith-Brown, Kory Brown (Tokie Ann), Kenta Hamilton Jr., Keyara Hamilton, John Harvey, Brandon Burroughs, Jy'ashia Mack, Josiah Johnson, Laila Johnson, Jovon Johnson, Jolen Johnson, Monique Platt Hendry (Carlaricky), Carletha Platt, Laquana Platt Holiness, Markitta Platt, Rodriquez Platt, Yumishika Platt; 47 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; 8 sisters Glinnis Pierce, Mary Hardy, Geraldine Roberson, Willie Mae Arscott, Delois Jackson, Ada Williams, Sherby Jean Pierce and Annette Denson (Graylon) and 2 brothers, Ivory Perkins and James Perkins; two brothers-in-law, Apostle Tommy L. Brown (Darlene) and Johnny Brown (Deborah); three sisters-in-law, Vernita Perkins, Margaret Perkins and Annie Perkins; 2 aunts, Carrie Lee Rolle and Gladys Whitfield; his bonus daughters by love, Angelia Shellman and Katrina Duhart; his bonus grandson by love, Trenard Davis; his close friend Deacon Leonard Collins; his favorite Dolphin's fan Deacon Reggie Shade, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family and friends. The Perkins family, will receive family and friends from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M, on Friday, July 24, 2026, in the Ben Samuel Hill Memorial Chapel of Hill's Mortuary, Inc. The funeral service for Deacon JW Perkins will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the CrossRoads Community Church with the Rev. Nathaniel Ward, Officiating. The burial will follow in the Bulloch Memorial Gardens.. Final rites have been entrusted to HIll's Mortuary, Inc.

Deacon JW Perkins Sr.

June 30, 1941 - July 8, 2026