Dorothy Elizabeth Perkins

1929 - 2017

Dorothy Elizabeth Johnson Perkins was born January 19, 1929 in Prescott, Arkansas. She was the seventh of eleven children born to Daniel and Verda Mae McCowan Johnson.

Dottie, as she was affectionately called, professed Christ at an early age and was baptized. She was a member of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Oakland, CA from 1948-1991, where she served as an Usher and Charm School Director. After returning home to Prescott, she joined Munns Chapel Baptist Church and was very active with the choir, Women of Purpose Ministry, Vacation Bible School and the Charm School.

Her early education began at McRae Elementary School in Prescott, Arkansas. In March of 1946, Dottie moved to San Diego, California with her mother and 3 of her younger sisters; Lottie, Ella and Ruby. She graduated from San Diego High School in 1948 and attended San Diego Junior College, majoring in History.

In 1952, Dottie moved to San Francisco, California where she began modeling. She was hired as one of the first Black sales associates to work for I. Magnin, a nationwide high end, luxury Department Store, where she remained until retiring, 22 years later.

Her years of retirement found her volunteering her time both in California and Prescott, Arkansas. In Prescott, she volunteered at the Nevada County Library, worked as a substitute teacher in the Prescott School District and was active with the Ila Upchurch Corporation.

HISTORICAL TRIVIA: 1) Ms. Perkins was proud of the fact that her Uncle Steve Johnson, had the only taxi cab in Nevada County from the 1920's to the 1950's. 2) A feature story was written about her life in the December 8, 2010 NC Picayune newspaper.

Ms. Perkins will be sorely missed by her family and friends in California and Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her daughter and 10 siblings. Her memory will be cherished by her beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends and acquaintances.

There will be a Home Going Funeral celebration at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Munn's Chapel Baptist Church, in Prescott. Her earthly body will be laid to rest at Deann Cemetery, Prescott. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Brandon's Mortuary in Hope on Friday December 1st.