Eva Perkins

Eva Rheua Nell, or “Nell” Perkins, 87, died peacefully in her home on August 13, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born in Healdton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Eva Alline Johnson and Emmet Glenwood Chase. The family lived for a short time in Japan in 1947, and then her mother moved Rheua Nell and brother, Glen Chase, to Cupertino and Sunnyvale, California. There, she attended Freemont Union High School and was involved in many activities, including the student council. In addition, Rheua Nell had a successful modeling career and was Miss Accent, Miss San Jose, and runner up for Miss California. She graduated from high school in 1955 and attended San Jose State University, graduating with a teaching degree in 1959. With her love for children, she became a kindergarten teacher at Bracher School in Santa Clara, California, from 1960-1961.

Rheua Nell had an adventurous spirit and applied to teach abroad. She was placed as the kindergarten teacher in an oil camp in Sant Tome, Venezuela. There she met her lifelong friends Ann and Fred Vescial and Carol and Dick Klain, along with the love of her life, Warren “Perk” Perkins. Rheua Nell and Perk were married in a small ceremony in California in 1963. Rheua Nell and Perk then continued their life in Caracas, Venezuela from 1965-1971, during which time Rheua Nell gave birth to Margaret “Meg” Perkins in 1968 and Elizabeth “Beth” Perkins in 1970.

In 1971, the family moved to Mexico City. They enjoyed exploring the city as well as traveling to various parts of Mexico. Rheua Nell was very musical and learned to play the piano at a young age and also played folk guitar and the ukulele. Although in Mexico City she no longer taught kindergarten, Rheua Nell taught guitar lessons at home and enjoyed playing guitar with her family and friends.

In 1977, Perk was transferred to Houston, Texas, where Rheua Nell would enjoy living out the rest of her life. Rheua Nell continued to teach and play guitar and went back to work outside the home as an administrative assistant in a financial firm. Her sharp organizational skills and likability moved her up quickly to the head assistant to the president of the firm. Although she had built a perfect life, the ultimate tragedy struck with the violent death of her daughter Meg in June of 1990. Her and Perk’s life was turned upside down, but they persevered and kept pursuing their love of travel and fishing. Over the years Rheua Nell and Perk traveled both by themselves and with their lifelong friends throughout the world, including Central and South America, Europe, Russia, China, and Turkey. Rheua Nell and Perk also enjoyed taking many classes over many years in the Continuing Studies Program at Rice University, which their daughter Meg had attended.

Rheua Nell was known and loved by her many friends and family as not only beautiful but also adventurous, smart, funny, generous, and kind. She loved her friends and was loved in return and liked by all who met her. Even after Perk’s death, in 2008, she cultivated her love of friends and never lost her love of travel, fishing, attending theater and musicals, and playing her guitar. She also took lifelong pride in her Chickasaw heritage. Most of all, she loved her family, which was a driving force for her. She was fortunate to have loved and been cared for not only by Meg and Beth but by her step children, Derek and Cassandra, whom she loved equally as her own children.

She is survived by her daughter Beth Perkins, son in law, Keone Singlehurst, son, Derek Perkins, daughter-in-law, Jamie Perkins, daughter Cassandra Ervin, and son-in-law, Jim Ervin. She is also survived by her niece, Cyndy Jenkins, with whom she was exceptionally close, and Cyndy’s husband, Brad Jenkins, and by her beloved grandchildren, Marco Silva, Jason Perkins, Aaron Perkins, Alisa Perkins, Jennifer Ervin, Katie Ervin, and Scott Ervin, and by five beloved great grand children.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 24th from 2pm to 6pm at her beloved home of 47 years; 10802 Britoak Ln. Houston TX 77079

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed by the family to the Margaret "Meg" Perkins Scholarship Fund at Rice University. Gifts may be made online at giving.rice.edu or by check to MS-81, PO Box 1892, Houston TX 77251.