Helen Jean Perkins-Alexander

Helen Jean Perkins-Alexander, 67, formerly of Lima, OH and Peoria, IL, passed away at 3:32 p.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Rockdale Medical Center, Conyers, GA. She was born Aug. 1, 1944, in Belzoni, MS, to Chester and Helen (Petty) Shurelds who preceded her in death. She had previously been married to Louis Perkins, Jr., the father of their five children and he survives in Lima. She then married Burns Alexander who survives in Peoria, IL.

Mrs. Perkins-Alexander moved to Peoria in 1977 and then to Conyers, GA in 2009. She retired from St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, after 25 years, and then retired from O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, after 25 years. She was an active member of New Life Church, Decatur, GA. She was a blessing to all. She brightened and touched so many lives with a spirit of LOVE.

Also surviving are four children: Kimberly Perkins and Kevin Perkins both of Peoria, Rosalyn Perkins of Lima and Carmen Perkins of Conyers, GA; four stepchildren: Maverick (Dr. Barbara) Alexander of Richardson, TX, Benjamin (Mary) Alexander of Peoria, Melanie (Ray) Antoine of Houston and Samantha (Darrell) Alexander-Fane of Springfield, IL; 30 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; six siblings: Patricia Wright, Lois Ware, Cheryl (Greg) Ward and Thomas Randall all of Lima, Roy Hairston of Columbus and Chester (Ethel) Shurelds of Lima.

She was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Maurice Perkins; a stepson, Bernell Alexander; a sister, Priscilla Williams and a brother at birth.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Fourth St. Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Earnest Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association or to New Life Church, Decatur.

Arrangements are under the direction of Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, Lima.

Condolences may be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com