Margaret Perkins

Born March 15, 1944, in Memphis, TN, Mary Margaret was the daughter of L. Vernon Sisco, a prominent Baptist minister, and Mildred Marlowe Sisco, his loving wife. In her adolescence, Mary Margaret moved with her parents and siblings throughout the United States as her father helped spread the Word, building new churches and delivering inspiring Christian gospel sermons.

In her young adulthood, Margaret graduated from Union University and later taught English in both middle and high school classrooms. She went on to work as an educational consultant for a prominent textbook publisher, traveling and representing the entire southeast United States. Her passion for education and learning was foundational to her engagement with others where she imparted this desire in all whom she met. Particularly fond of 19th century American poets, she often reflected on their themes emphasizing self-reliance and the inherent goodness of people and nature.

Beyond her professional life, Margaret was an accomplished singer whose beautiful, versatile voice transcended operatic, gospel, Broadway, and even Hawaiian genres. She was frequently selected for leading roles in plays and choirs throughout her life, but she is most recently remembered for her radiant singing of carols every Christmas.

Margaret was known for her unwavering devotion to her family and steadfast commitment to upholding her Christian values in all aspects of her life. Margaret’s care for her family was showcased by her true masterclass in motherhood. Her love for her son, D.J., was unmatched and continues to inspire as love’s preeminent ideal.

Those who knew Margaret remember how she excelled in every hobby and every commitment: her beautiful singing voice, gourmet cooking, audacious travels with her family across the United States and around the globe, and unwavering kindness to others. Truly remarkable was her diversity of interests, depth of knowledge, and detailed memory of people, places, and things back to when she was little.

Margaret was a nurturing soul who adored being a mother and always prioritized taking care of those around her and making them feel loved. She welcomed everyone with warmth and loved a good conversation. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, she was the foundation that everyone in her family relied on for faith, hope, and love. Her kindness, optimism, and wise counsel will forever be cherished. She will be sorely missed by all, but her memory will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Nell Kautz and Bettye Carol Sisco. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, David Richard Perkins III; son, David Richard Perkins IV (D.J.) and wife Sara; brother, Charles Sisco and family; nephew, Joshua Kautz and family; and her precious granddaughter, Sophia Leena Perkins.

A private interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

Correspondence from friends and family, or the sharing of memories is welcome and is being handled by Margaret’s son D.J. Perkins.