Rachel Diana Perkins Kiser

Rachel was a loving and caring person whose life was marked by faith, generosity, and a sincere desire to help others. She was always reaching out to those who were struggling or in need, often placing the needs of others before her own.

Rachel is survived by her parents, Larry and Martha Perkins and Linda Perkins; brothers, Paul Perkins and his wife, Tracie, and Philip Perkins and his wife, Amanda; uncles, Ricky Perkins and his wife, Kathy, Riley Dobbs, Jr. and his wife, Lisa, and Timothy Paul Dobbs; and aunt, Sonja Dobbs.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, D.H. and Evelyn Perkins and Riley and Lillie Mae Dobbs; and her aunts and uncles, Jimmy and Carolyn Perkins, David Dobbs, Betty and Harold Tidmore, Mary and Tommy Thacker, and Karen Dobbs.

As a young child, Rachel grew up in church and came to know Jesus as her Savior. She treasured the summers she spent attending youth camp through United Christian Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, under the ministry of the Rev. H. Richard Hall. Pat Hayes and Mike Shreve also had a tremendous influence on her life, and she never forgot the memories or spiritual lessons she gained during those years. Rachel was also influenced by the ministry of Jack Coe in Dallas, Texas, and attended “Be in Health” training under Dr. Henry Wright in Thomaston, Georgia.

Rachel faithfully oversaw the food ministry at Gospel Truth Lighthouse Church, where her father serves as pastor. She remained devoted to that calling until her health would no longer allow her to continue as she once had. Even then, she still delivered food to those who were unable to go themselves, rarely thinking of her own needs.

Rachel worked at Fourth Street Jewelers for several years. She was also gifted in working with flowers and created arrangements for weddings and funerals. Her passion was making things grow. She loved tending to her garden, caring for her plants, and making her home beautiful. Rachel proudly said that her house was the prettiest one on her block.

She had a deep love for animals and raised Yorkies for several years. Her compassionate nature was evident in the way she cared for animals and people alike.

Rachel never lost her faith and always believed, “We are going to make it.” She continually encouraged others through her unwavering trust in the Lord. Although her presence will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that she has made her crossing and is now in the presence of the Lord. Rachel influenced the lives of many and will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The family extends a special thank-you to Rachel’s dear friend, Ms. Tonya Goodwin, for always being there when Rachel needed her. They also express their heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Linda Carter for being Rachel’s special helper during the last several months. Rachel’s heart was filled with gratitude for all the love, care, and assistance shown to her.

Serving as pallbearers will be Johnny Ray Battles, Isaac Gunn, David Carter, Glen Dennis, Jasper Moon, and Nick Howard.

A visitation will be held at Gospel Truth Lighthouse Church, 2315 Hill Ave, Gadsden, AL 35904, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Rachel will lie in state at the church on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Collier-Butler Funeral Home directing.