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Gay Slaydon Perkins

1942 - 2025

Gay Slaydon Perkins obituary, 1942-2025

BORN

1942

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Gay Perkins Obituary

Gay Slaydon Perkins

October 9, 1942 - October 17, 2025

Gay Slaydon Perkins, 83, of 846 Wards Road, Altavista died Friday, October 17, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Grover Lee Perkins, Jr.

She was born October 9, 1942 in Winston-Salem, N.C., a daughter of the late Harold Thomas Slaydon and Thelma Crouch Slaydon. Gay was best known as the owner of Perky's Restaurant, where she welcomed everyone with kindness and a smile. She loved to crochet, travel, spend time with her family and friends, and relax at the beach.

She is survived by two sons, David H. Toren and his wife, Tammy of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Greg S. Toren and his wife, Melanie of Altavista; one brother, Thomas M. Slaydon and his wife, Debbie of Fredericksburg; seven grandchildren, Gregory Toren, Evan Toren, Julie Henry (Sean), Skye Toren, David Toren, Carter Webb, Skylar Orr (Jimmy); two great-grandchildren, Lincoln Henry and Gemma Orr; and two nephews, Matthew and Jared Slaydon.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her step-son, Steve Perkins; and step-daughter, Virginia Derrick.

A celebration of Gay's life will be planned and announced at a later date.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9956 or the National Center for Healthy Veterans, 980 Wards Road, Altavista, VA 24517 (www.HealthyVeterans.org)

Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista is in charge of arrangements.

Please visit the online tribute at www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com to share a memory or send a condolence to the family.

Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service

809 Main Street, Altavista, VA 24517

Published by The News & Advance on Oct. 19, 2025.

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Funeral services provided by:

Finch & Finch, Inc. Funeral & Cremation Service - Altavista

809 Main Street P.O. Box 85, Altavista, VA 24517

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