Lillie Eloise Perkins

New Haven has lost an educator extraordinaire, Evangelist that ministered through music and the preached word, and a living epistle and Disciple of Christ. On January 24, 2022, God called to rest His faithful servant, Lillie E. Perkins, a true Lily, who worked tirelessly in the field of education. Lillie was born on March 20, 1950, to the late James E. and Flossie L. Walker in the rural town of Hallsboro, North Carolina.
At the age of seven, Lillie knew she was "born" to teach. In pursuit of her dream, she earned a bachelor's degree from Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC. On April 15, 1972, Lillie would marry James E. "Rudy" Perkins, Jr. and to this union, would birth, Tiara Tennille and a bonus daughter, Sharon Marie. Lillie would later receive a master's degree from the University of Connecticut; and an Administrative Sixth Year Certificate from Southern Connecticut State University. She also earned a license in broadcasting from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.
Mrs. Perkins was a dedicated educator in the New Haven Public Schools and toiled in that part of God's Vineyard for thirty-six years. Upon accepting her first teaching position at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in 1972, she recognized a need in the community for the young people to express themselves in a positive way during after school hours. Lillie, and several other educators from the King School worked with child psychiatrist, James P. Comer, MD, MPH of the Yale Child Study Center and created social skills teaching units for the Whole Person Curriculum. Lillie established the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School Choir, teaching her students literacy, life lessons, and lyrics. From 1973-1985, Lillie not only directed the choir, but provided a myriad of opportunities for the members to travel, exposing them to wonderful educational experiences while interacting with local, national, and international leaders.
In 1985 Lillie would begin to sow seeds at another New Haven School. She taught third grade and organized and directed the Helene Grant School Choir until 1997. Lillie believed in teaching the "whole child." Her students and choir members received lessons that provided them with experience, exposure, energy, esteem, and engagement. Choir members continued to travel the east coast while singing for national and international leaders like, Former First Lady Hillary Clinton, Law Professor Lani Guinier, and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu to name a few. In 1995, the choir released a recording of inspirational songs titled, "Out of the Mouths of Babes."
In November 1997 Lillie founded the Unity Boys' Choir and for the next 21 years would continue to teach through song. With the dedicated support of her sister in Christ, choir accompanist, and Assistant Director, Ms. Sylvia G. Hayes, this inspirational choir sought to promote social development with a strong emphasis on building self-worth, unity, and respect for all ages. The young men ranged in ages from three to twenty-two and were from the greater New Haven communities. The Unity Boys' Choir traveled from Canada to Florida and many states in between, uplifting the hearts and minds of all who welcomed their melodies and inspirations. In 2003, the choir released a patriotic CD that has been shared with military troops in Iraq and other countries.
Not only has Mrs. Perkins enjoyed the success of the choirs, but as a classroom educator in various capacities. She has watched countless students become successful through the years. Mrs. Perkins realized the importance of encouraging and demonstrating dignity and integrity among her students. Her former student, Virginia Bailey-Barnes said, "Mrs. Perkins taught with love and kindness, but most of all, she inspired with integrity. She reminded us every day that we were all her children. She loved her children, but most of all, she believed in her children. Her inspiration has cultivated Accountants, School Administrators, Broadway Stars, Doctors, Nurses, School Counselors, School Teachers, Social Workers, Veterans of the United States Military, and many other professionals. We have learned to serve with courage, hope, and integrity. We knew that who Mrs. Perkins was would make the difference in who we would become."
In addition to her service to the New Haven, CT Public Schools, Mrs. Perkins volunteered and participated in, the Mayor's Youth Service Program, The Toy/Teas/Toy Closets Program at Yale New Haven's Children's Hospital, 1995 Special Olympics World Games in CT, US Attorney District of CT Programs, Kids Protection Network Program, Christian Community Action (CCA) Food Program, New Haven Board of Young Adult Police Commissioners, and Community Assistant for Senior Citizens.
Lillie always said, "My life is a gift from God and what I do with my life is my gift back to God!" She also remarked, "I've asked God to give me life until my work is done and work until my life is done and let it be in service to children." For her dedicated service, Lillie has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years. She has received the YMCA Women in Leadership Award, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Award (WILF), Outstanding Leadership and Professional Accomplishment Award, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Award (NANBPW), National Association of Black Social Workers Community Service Award, Christian Community Service Award, Teachers-Administrators-Parents-Students (TAPS) Award for New Haven Public Schools, Volunteer Action Center (VAC) Award, Recognition of Excellence for Inspiring Young People Award, NANBPW Clubs Inc. National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, Arts Council of Greater New Haven 2004 Arts Award, Sengbe Pieh Award, Heritage Chorale Community Service Award, and numerous other local, state, and national honors and citations.
Lillie, was an active member of Bible Gospel Center, once serving as the Adult Sunday School Teacher. She attributes her spiritual growth to former church leaders, Pastor Henry Benjamin, Pastor James Murphy, Bishop William & Pastor Bernice Peterson, the late Pastor John A. Good and Overseer, Gwendolyn Good.
Lillie was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for 51 years. She pledged the Delta Alpha Chapter of Fayetteville State University in 1971.
Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, James E. and Flossie L. Walker; her father and mother-in-law, James E. Perkins, Sr. and Rheedes Perkins; her husband, James E. "Rudy" Perkins, Jr; brother, Franklin Hubert Spears (Gwen) Whiteville, NC; Godparents, Eddie & Bernice Estes; and Godbrother, Paul Frederick Estes. She leaves to her legacy, two daughters, Tiara Valentino-Perkins, and Sharon Marie Barbour-Gaithersburg, MD; brothers, Lanewood Percy Walker (Annette)-Des Moines, IA, James Eugene Walker, Jr. (Nadene)-Dumfries, VA; sister, Vonnie Loretta Walker-Gainsville, VA; sisters-in-love, Nancy Spears-Orlando, FL, Velma Walker-Philadelphia, PA, and Marsi Jones-Woodbridge, VA ; Godsisters, Jean Estes Watley and Marilyn Estes-Columbia, MD; and Godbrother, Eddie Estes, Jr. (Jean)- Miami, FL; Godson, Gene Wiggins; her bonus mom, Mrs. Sylvia McNeil; bonus little sisters, Sylvia Hayes, Marcella Flake, Beryl Irene Bailey,-Springfield, MA, Metashar Dillon, Denise Flegler, Ella Moore, Josie Kendall, and Alvenia Hicks; and a host of dear friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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