Mary Helen Perkins, age 87, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Lincoln Nebraska. She was born on May 17, 1937, on a farm near Stamford, Nebraska, to Charles and Evelyn Williams.
Mary married her high school sweetheart Darel Perkins on June 21, 1955, at the Community Church in Precept, Nebraska. Mary raised five kids while also helping to grow a successful farm and ranch operation. In 1974, Nebraska Governor James Exon awarded Mary and Darel the “Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year” award. In 1987, life offered Darel a new opportunity and they moved with their youngest daughter Kim to Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Mary served as a faithful partner by leading life groups and prayer teams in her local church and also worked first at a local bakery and later at a dental office.
One consistent theme in Mary’s life is that she thrived no matter where God placed her. She always sought to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Her love for Jesus was coupled with an incredible work ethic. Mary was always busy serving in some way, whether with her children, grandchildren, sisters, or church family. She cherished her women’s small groups and built many relationships.
Mary was a wonderful sister, mother, and grandmother, leaving a legacy of what it means to be a woman of faith. As she often reminded us, she prayed for her family every day. There is no doubt that she did. Mary loved life and unconditionally embraced everyone she met, but her greatest loves were Jesus Christ and her family.
She is survived by her three sons, Lynn and wife Lori Perkins of Beaver City, Nebraska, Calvin and wife Judy Perkins of Plainfield, Indiana, Kurt and wife Anitta Perkins of Lincoln, Nebraska and two daughters, Marlene and husband Russ Pfeil of Alma, Nebraska, and Kim and husband Jeff Zottneck of Eagan, Minnesota. She is survived by 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and six sisters, Elaine Magstadt, Ada McWaters, Ann Bussey, Sandra Weaver, and Karen Boyd.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Darel Perkins; her father, Charles Williams; her mother, Evelyn Williams; and her sister, Janet Williams.
The funeral service will take place Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 3 PM at Christ Place Church, Lincoln, Nebraska.
A burial service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, September 13, 2024 at Maple Creek Cemetery, southwest of Beaver City, Nebraska.
2 thoughts on “Mary Helen Perkins”
Mary was a second mother to me. She helped me to feel worthwhile as a teenager. I read my Bible while staying at her house three summers and God used that time to help me grow. When my kids were young I decided no one would love my kids as much as Mary and her husband Darel if I died so wrote up a legal document to give custody if anything happened to me. I am very grateful to have had her in my life.
Mary was my dear sister and was also my spiritual Mother. She was instrumental in helping me get back on track with the Lord. Can hardly wait til we meet in heaven!