Gracie Ann Perkins

Gracie Ann Cobb Perkins was born in Alabama to Bennie and Nettie B. Cobb, the 8th of 12 children. She moved to Chicago upon her high school graduation. There she united with Mount Olive Baptist Church where she met and later married Deacon Harden Perkins in 1970. She helped him raise his 5 sons and continuously stood by his side as he answered his call to the ministry, as well as during his pastorate at Greater Hope of Faith and later Saint James Industrial Church. Their 39-year marriage ended with his death in 2009. She worked many years at Union Station as a cook. She retired to care for her ailing husband, Pastor Emeritus Harden Perkins.

Gracie was not your typical pastor's wife. As Pastor Perkins organized God's churches, she took on many various roles: painter, carpenter, chauffer, decorator, grounds keeper, secretary, delivery person, fund raiser, etc. She prepared church bulletins, was a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, BTU President, choir member, youth programs coordinator, and an honorary member of the Mother's Board. She served faithfully as First Lady Emeritus until her health failed, prompting her move to Arkansas.

At Lonoke Nursing and Rehab, she was known for her singing, especially "Oh Peter Don't Be Afraid".

Gracie leaves to cherish so many memories her four special children: Estella (Frank) Smith and Lionel (Barnestine) Montgomery - Lonoke; David Montgomery - Chicago; and Donald (Hilary) Montgomery - MN; 5 sisters Melvie Lee Turner, AL; Ruby T. Harris, NY; Eunice Tensley, Montgomery, AL; Sadie Bennie Cobb, IN; Dorothy Jackson, VA, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.