Violet Christine Coleman Perkins, lovingly known as “Sissy” to her family and friends, was born at her home in Coldwater, MS in 1929. She was the 6th child out of 9, consisting of four boys and five girls. Her father, Andrew Burrough, owned 80 acres, where he grew cotton, corn and other small vegetables, and her beautiful mother, Agnes Pearl, played the role of the homemaker. Pearl was one of the best cooks around and a favorite memory of Violet’s was sitting on the front porch in one of her mother’s rocking chairs.
Violet graduated from Coldwater High School in 1948. During her time there, she was awarded with a number of honors, including Best Athlete (basketball), Best All Around, Most Popular and was even voted Ms. Coldwater during her senior year. She married Herbert N. Perkins (of Independence, MS) at the Hernando, MS courthouse in 1948. Their four girls were raised in Parkway Village in Memphis, TN.
In 1984, Violet and her husband moved to Byhalia, MS, where Herbert built their house, with the help of family and friends. They lived in this home for 28 years, until Herbert passed away in 2011. After the passing of her husband, Violet then moved to Collierville, TN where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law. Violet was always the life of the party, with a love for singing and dancing. Her family never knew what shenanigans she would be up to! She indulged in many hobbies during her life, which included sewing all of her and her children’s clothes and bowling on a bowling league for a few years. She loved camping, swimming, boating and fishing with her husband. The White River was one of their favorite spots.
Violet is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Herbert Norris Perkins; two sisters; four brothers; her parents; grandson, Eric Logan; and great grandson, Dylan Whitaker. She is survived by two sisters, Mae Treadway of Hernando, MS and Jean Coleman Johnson of Pocahontas, AR; four daughters, Wanda Perkins Bower (Jim), Tina Perkins Logan (Mike), Cecelia Perkins Shelton (John) and Sheila Perkins Wright (Steve). She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Wendy Whitaker, Sonny Abington, Angela Henry (Mike), Lisa King (Larry), John Shelton II, Chelsea Shelton, Brad Wright (Kaitlyn), Jeff Wright, Shannon Hanks and Scarlett Mann; seven great grandchildren, Aubrie Lynn Ammens, Taylor King, Michael Henry, Hannah Faith Mann, Melody Grace Mann and Drew Allison Hanks; and one great great grandchild, Wyatt Tate Hanks.
The pall bearers are Steve Wright, Jim Bower, Mike Logan, John Shelton, Brad Wright, John Shelton II, Larry King, Mike Henry and Sonny Abington. Honorary pall bearers are Eric Logan and Dylan Whitaker. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Crossroads Hospice for their thoughtful care. Visitation will be held from 10am-11:30am Sunday, March 8, 2020 and funeral services will be at 11:30am at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Graveside service will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Independence, MS.
