Rebecca Ann Perkins

The earthly life of Rebecca Ann Perkins (Becky) transitioned to her eternal one on Sunday morning, March 10, 2019, at St. Dominic's
Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi. For the past two years, she has resided at the Arbor full care facility of the Orchard, valiantly dealing
with complications of a stroke and other critical health issues. Her spirits and determination to resume her active life never wavered,
as she found ways to minister to others even in her confinement. Becky was born in Marianna, Arkansas, on May 5, 1936, to Oscar
Leon and Fannye Harding Perkins, residents of Macon, as the first of two daughters. Her love and loyalty to Macon, the Baptist
church and community of Concord, were strong and life long, as was her passion for family ties in her large and loving Perkins family.
Becky was the hub around which this ever expanding family turned and gathered annually at Memorial weekend in April at the Salem
Methodist church cemetery. To know Becky was to know her Macon, "W", IBM, EWI, Mustard Seed, and First Baptist Jackson
families, where she rendered unconditional service, interest, involvement, and support until her final hour.

Upon early retirement from IBM, she extended her interest in children through substitute teaching at Jackson Academy. A lifelong,
ever loyal Bulldog, she held season tickets for football and baseball at MSU and followed both faithfully, expanding her friendship
base among fellow fans. Becky graduated from MSCW (MUW) in 1958 with a degree in business,and memberships in Mortar
Board,Jesters and numerous campus and denominational organizations. Her teaching career of several years was spent at Murphy
High in Mobile. Moving to Jackson in 1962, she joined IBM as executive assistant to the local office Manager. Every person
associated with IBM during her tenure had a personal tie with Becky. Her position there fostered membership in the local chapter of
Executive Women International (EWI) which she served tirelessly in multi positions including President. Her special heart for young
adults with special needs, began formally with a group who met weekly at First Baptist Jackson in the early sixties. Becky
volunteered as a Sunday evening leader there for decades. From planting that seed in those lives grew into her initial interest in the
establishment of the MUSTARD SEED daily outreach, homes, and ceramic art studio, that have flourished over the years. In honor
of her stellar devotion, "Perkins Pantry" was designated and dedicated recently as a source of food for the two residences of Mustard
Seed and housed in the newly opened Boy's home.

First Baptist Jackson was Becky's spiritual home and family for almost 60 years. She was active in Sunday School, Mission trips,
Women's Ministries, Special Children/Adults programs, all special events and Sunday worship. Becky was committed to the calling of
a servant, as the hands and feet of Jesus.

As a friend, Becky was the epitome of loyalty, faithfulness, generously, care-taking with compassion, and never counting the cost.
Her hospitality was unrivaled, her unconditional love for family and friends unequaled. Becky made a difference in the lives of others
by the way she lived hers. And she finished well, as an example to all. "Welcome home thou good and faithful servant".
Becky is survived by her sister, Frances Perkins Dempsey of Berkeley Springs, WV; three nephews: Mark (Lynn) Dempsey of
Huntingtown, MD; Don (Susan) Dempsey of Hanover, PA, and Michael (Melissa) Dempsey of West Union, SC; ten great nieces and
nephews and ten great-great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at the Salem Cemetery near Macon at one o'clock, Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2019.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Jackson at a later date. Memorials in Becky's name are suggested to Mustard Seed,
1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, MS. 39047 and to Special Ministries of First Baptist Church, 431 North State Street, Jackson, MS
39201.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Jackson at a later date. Memorials in Becky's name are suggested to Mustard Seed,
1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, MS. 39047 and to Special Ministries of First Baptist Church, 431 North State Street, Jackson, MS
39201.