Gracie A. Perkins

First Lady Emeritus Gracie Ann Cobb Perkins was born in Alabama to Bennie and Nettie B. Cobb. She was the 9th of 12 children. She moved to Chicago upon after her high school graduation. Lady Perkins united with the Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Willie Hall. There she met and later married Deacon Harden Perkins in 1970. Their 39-year marriage ended with his death in 2009. Gracie was not your typical pastor's wife. As Pastor Perkins organized God's churches, she took on many various roles: painter, carpenter, chauffeur, decorator, grounds keeper, secretary, delivers person, fund raiser, etc. She painted walls, made shelves, drove a van load of children to various church recreational activities, worked in the kitchen cooking and cleaning, selling and delivering dinners, and sponsoring various programs. She was truly his helpmate; she stepped in to help him raise his five 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. She loved working for the Lord and served in various capacities - typing and copying church bulletins, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, BTU President, choir member, coordinate youth programs, etc. She was an honorary member of the Mother's Board. She served faithfully until her health failed, prompting her move to Arkansas Lady Perkins worked many years at Union Station as a cook. She retired to care for her ailing husband, Pastor Emeritus Harden Perkins. Many church members enjoyed her pots of greens, cakes, sweet potato pies and other tasty dishes. Gracie comes from a large, loving, and talented family. Her family feels she would have done well by purchasing stock in Hallmark as she would send a card for birthdays, anniversaries, encouragement, and just to say thank-you. Lady Perkins' favorite songs included Oh Peter Don't Be Afraid; Lilly of the Valley; I Am On The Battlefield; and Redeemed. Some of her favorite scriptures were: Psalms 8:1, Psalms 8:3, and her bedtime favorite was Psalms 4:8. Gracie entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 23 days from her 91st birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Nettie B. Cobb, brother Homer C. Cobb, Sr., Annie C. Washington, Nettie Kate Davis, Thetta Mae Dent, Rosie Lou Person and Jeannie Baldwin. Lady Perkins leaves to cherish so many memories her four special children: Estella (Frank) Smith and Lionel (Barnestine) Montgomery of Lonoke, AR; David Montgomery of Chicago, IL; and Donald (Hilary) Montgomery of Hugo, MN; grandchildren: Anthony, David, Michelle, Jordan, Garrett, Robyn, Wendy, Kim, Patrice, Antwon, Michael, Robert, Jr. Five sisters deeply mourn her passing: Melvie Lee Turner, Midway, AL; Ruby T. Harris, Rochester, NY Eunice Tensley, Montgomery, AL; Sadie B. Cobb-Smith, East Chicago, IN; and Dorothy (Bruce) Jackson Alexandria, VA. Her nieces and nephews showed great love to their "Aunt Tudy": Eddie Joe, Edna, Carolyn, Sidney, Barbara Jean, Nettie Jo, Ruby, Annie Mae, Rosie, Earl, Neshonda Renae, Eddie Mack, Jr., Wilson, Mary, Jeanette, Elijah Benjamin, Cynthia Ann, Ulysses, Clarence, Charles, Clay, Carol, Cecelia, Cassandra, Chris, Cornelius, Rev. Sam, Hilda, Diane, Annie Dorothy, Sonya D, Rev. Craig, Tina, Rev. Homer Clay, Jr., James, Robert, Gwendolyn, Linda, and Glenda. She shared a special bond with cousin Pinkey Powell.

Gracie A. Perkins

November 7, 1934 - October 15, 2025