Pearl Buxton Perkins, of Elizabeth, Louisiana, made her entrance to heaven on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the remarkable age of 104. She lived a full, active and accomplished life. After graduating from Elizabeth High School in 1936, Pearl married Millard Perkins at the ripe old age of 19. They settled in Texas, and both attended East Texas Baptist College, but she dropped out before graduation to raise their family- which eventually grew to five children. Millard continued to pursue and graduate with a degree of Divinity and became a Baptist minister. Pearl loved their life of ministry very much. She was an active helpmate, supporter and partner in their church work, serving and contributing in any way she could. Being an educator at heart, Pearl went back to college at age 50 and completed her undergraduate degree in Education. As the determined and energetic lady, she was, she went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education, as well. She taught school in Heflin, Louisiana for 25 years, retiring at the age of 75. Pearl and Millard were married for 41 years, until Millard’s death in 1979.
Known by her family as a strong, faith-filled and independent woman, Pearl’s loving influence on the lives of her children, her students, her friends and community was widespread and she will be remembered for her encouraging and always uplifting presence. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell and Katie Buxton, her husband, Millard Perkins, her son, David Perkins, and her siblings, Dollie Castolina, Gladys Greer, Woodrow Buxton, Nathel Smith, Clematine Davis, and Vester Buxton. She is survived by her children, Millard Perkins, Jr. of Gulfport MS, John and Laura Perkins of Shreveport, Betty and Charles Bell of Houston, TX, Wanda and Joe Agostino of Federal Way, WA; grandchildren, Robyn Beach, Denise Crawford, Pamela Stallones, Timothy Perkins, Jared Perkins, and Michelle Souter, and nine great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 11:00am at First Baptist Church West Chapel in Minden, Louisiana with Bro. Steve Gilley officiating. Interment will be following for family only in Monroe, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana.