Judith “Judy” Ann Perkins was born on Aug. 17, 1940, in Opelika, and passed peacefully into her heavenly home at the age of 82 on Jan. 18, 2023. She was surrounded by family who loved her immensely.
Judy was born to William Henry Perry and Mary Jimmerson Perry in Opelika. As a young woman, Judy attended school at Beulah High School and pursued her passions by going to Beauty School. She fell in love with Harold Dean Perkins and began her life with him shortly after. While Judy held various jobs to assist in providing for her family over the years, her focus was being a homemaker, a mother and a support for her husband, who was serving our country in the military. Judy was a faithful and loyal wife who upheld her family through the various moves that come along with the service-connected lifestyle. Judy, Harold and their children adventured across the country from Texas, to California, to Alaska.
Judy and her family returned to Opelika later in life, where she enjoyed all her regular spots. She was no stranger to “the beauty shop,” where she delighted in a fresh cut and color. If she was not found in the chair getting a trim and a blow out, she was indulging in getting her nails pampered and long… but like REALLY long. She was always up to date with the latest trends with her hair, nails and makeup. Judy frequented The White House as well (the restaurant, not the presidential home) for her favorite fried catfish. Judy loved good southern cooking and even brought a new member into our family through these delicacies. She met Bob Sellars by bringing him a homemade pie to welcome him to the neighborhood, and the rest is history. They shared many years together filled with their own adventures of travelling around the country and enjoying the Smokey Mountains and Myrtle Beach.
Judy was an irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind, spirited person. She could make any room burst into laughter and keep a party going. She was everything one would think of when you hear “life of the party,” even to the various family pets. No matter where Judy went, the furry family members were sure to follow for her handed-down table scraps and “goodies.” Judy loved family events and spending time with those she cherished most.
Most importantly, Judy was a child of God. She was strong in faith and loved to share The Word with those around her. She expressed her love for God through worship with praise and song. Judy had a beautiful singing voice that touched many people.
“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’”— 1 Corinthians 2:9
Judy’s memory lives on with her children: Julie (John), Hal (Jennifer) and Jason, as well as her grandchildren: Stephanie (Thomas), Kristen (James), Sarah (Tanner), Josh, Kierstin, Kaity (Daniel), India and Olivia (Kylee). She was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren: Abby, Caleb, Ethan, JD, Tucker, Mackayla, Preston, John Christopher, Blakely, Abel, Mitzi, Ezra, Zeplin, Harmony and Lyla. Her legacy also includes numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Judy is preceded in death by her husband (Harold) and her siblings (Jane, Jim Joe, Carol and Bill).
A visitation with family and friends was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A graveside service immediately followed the visitation at Shady Grove Cemetery.
