Ollie Mae (Baker) Perkins was born on September 17, 1925. She passed from this life surrounded by family on September 5, 2020. Mrs. Perkins graduated from New Hope High School, North Alabama Business College, and Florence State Teachers College (the University of North Alabama). She began a more than 50 year career in education by teaching for three years at Paint Rock Valley High School on an emergency teaching certificate during World War II. She then returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree and came back to teach at Madison County High School for 38 years, retiring in 1988. She missed the classroom and students so much that she returned for the next ten school years as a substitute teacher. Her dedication to excellence in the field of education was exemplified by her membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She had the distinction of being the last living charter member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of that organization and was a faithful member until her health declined.
Mrs. Perkins was a long-time member of New Hope Church of Christ. She and longtime friend Cornelia Butler could be found volunteering at the New Hope library together for more than 20 years. Poplar Ridge Homemaker’s Club and United Daughters of the Confederacy counted her as a member also.
Mrs. Perkins was predeceased by her husband, Melborn Eugene Perkins; father and mother, Ollie and Virgie Baker; and her brother and sister-in-law, Willard and Jimmie Baker. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Jennifer Perkins; granddaughter Catie Perkins; grandson Matt Perkins; nephews Tony (Lanell) Baker, Joel (Debbie) Baker, and Sam (Cathy) Baker; and special aunt Frances Mann, along with many great- and great great nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at the Baker Cemetery in Owens Cross Roads, at 2 p.m. with Cliff Mann officiating. Pallbearers will be Matt Perkins, Tony Baker, Sam Baker, Josh Baker, Mike Doherty, and Charles Butler. Honorary pallbearer will be Joel Baker
