Alvin Perkins, 85, of Axton, VA passed November 30,2021. Public viewing will be Monday, December 6, 2021 at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, Eden, NC from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A Moment of Reflections will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at Gospel Light Holiness Church, Axton, VA. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Gospel Light Holiness Church, Axton, VA. and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Deacon Alvin Early Perkins’ address at 7975 Axton Road was changed from earth to Glory Boulevard. He was born the eldest son to the union of the late John Early Perkins and Rev. Lettie Mae Perkins on November 16, 1936, in Leakesville (Eden), NC. Deacon Perkins was raised in a Christian home, and was exposed to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel when his parents opened the doors to his father’s cousin, the Late Dr. Lettie Perkins Cohen. This log cabin home/church became the birthplace of Gospel Light United Holy Church. There he became a born-again member, and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Along with Dr. Lettie Cohen’s children, he was among the first pianists of the church. He continued in this role until his health declined.
On April 20, 1957, Deacon Perkins married Doris Marie Hampton. To this union were born 5 children. On April 20, 2021, they celebrated 64 years of marriage.
As a young husband and father, Deacon Perkins was affectionately known as Buster while singing and traveling with the quartet group, The Gospel Travelers. When his children began showing an interest in music, he saw a need for cultivating their talents and gifts, thus he formed the Perkins Family Group. And in his later years, he was instrumental in forming the Male Chorus at Gospel Light. He was known for leading the song, Glad I got Jesus.
As a member of the Gospel Light, Deacon Perkins served in several capacities. He was an ordained deacon, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, including an official church board member and an occassional van driver when needed. Blessed with the gift of Help he served as a deacon for a short time with Pastors James and Lavarra Hagwood at Mt. Zion United Holy Church of Martinsville, VA.
Deacon Perkins received his education in Henry County Public Schools and later attended Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, NC. As a man of integrity and good work ethics, he provided for his family through employment at Edwards Riverside Market. Then as an employee for 17 years at A & P Grocery Store and 27 years as a skilled truck driver for Roy Stone Trucking and Mabe Trucking Company.
A true SERVANT-Deacon Perkins loved the Lord, his family, church and community. He was well respected in his community of Sandy Level and beyond, as a mentor and father-figure to young men who he connected with. He was a man with a humble spirit, who was kind and known for his great words of wisdom (with a little humor). He will never be forgotten but with surely be missed. A man of FAITH- He stood up for what he believed in.
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong all that you do must be done in love. 1Corinthians 16:13-14
Deacon Alvin Early Perkins was preceded in death by his father and mother, John Early Perkins and Rev. Lettie Mae Perkins, son, Cagney Savoy Perkins, brother, Benjamin Perkins and his foster brother, Elder Edward Hairton.
As the family patriarch, he leaves to cherish his fondest memories: his wife; Doris Marie Perkins, his children; Alvin Dwight Perkins (Frederica) of Axton, VA, Elder Gregory Cornell Perkins (LaDonna) of Axton, VA, Karen Perkins of Eden, NC, Alonzo Perkins of the home and adopted son, Javon Moorer (Pertina) of Charlotte, NC. Six grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Three sisters; Gertie Martin and Novella Thompson (Kenan) both of Eden, NC and Elder Pam Perkins of Reidsville, NC. Sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, a host of extended relatives and friends.
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