Obituary

Reflections of a Life Well Lived

Jerry Lee Perkins, affectionately known as “Perk”, was born on October 14, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the second child of Reverend Jack Carter and Elizabeth Jean Lee Perkins. Jerry grew up in Indianapolis with his six brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Bruno D. Komakech, sister: Judy Gertrude Perkins, nephew: Daniel Edward Komakech, father-in-law: Vincent Roberts, brother-in-law: D’Artanion Luke Roberts.

Jerry attended Indianapolis Public Schools and he graduated from Crispus Attucks High School (Class of 1973), there he excelled in leadership, scholarship, and athletics. He was the senior class president and graduated number three in his class. Jerry won first place in the state science fair and he was also an Indiana Hoosier Scholar.

Jerry graduated from Purdue University (W. Lafayette, IN) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He was president of the founding chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The mission statement is, “To increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers that excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.” Jerry was a tutor, teacher’s aide and taught Freshman Calculus while an undergraduate at Purdue.

He married the love of his life Michele Denee Perkins on June 3, 1978. Jerry and Michele were married 45 years. From their union they had three daughters, Jeecole Charise, Jiesha Celese and Jeri Cashe Perkins. They were blessed with one grandson Ronald Altidor Jr. “RJ” who Jerry called, “Little Guy.”

Jerry accepted his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during his adult years at a Basketball game in Oakland, California. He was a faithful member of Mission Church Goodyear and he attended a weekly men’s bible study and fellowship group.

Jerry worked at Proctor and Gamble as a Team Plant Manager. He was Plant Engineering Manager and Football Coach for Digital Equipment Corporation. Jerry was promoted to Plant Manager for American National Can and Harman Motive. He was a Director in the Software Industry for Computer Associates and Wiley Technology.

Jerry believed that it was very important to give back to his community. He was a founder of the Indianapolis Youth Advisory Council with his closest neighborhood friends. He also volunteered with the Homeless Youth Connection which supported children experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. He served on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee in Phoenix. In addition, he worked with the City of Goodyear to start a Science and Technology Museum.

Jerry passed peacefully on Monday, January 29, with family at his side. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife: Michele Denee Perkins of Goodyear, AZ, daughters: Jeecole Charise Perkins of Goodyear, AZ, Jiesha Celese (Ronald) Altidor of Canton, MI, and Jeri Cashe Perkins of Phoenix, AZ; grandson: Ronald Altidor Jr. of Canton, MI; brothers: Jack Carter Perkins of Avondale, AZ and Jeffery M. Perkins of Indianapolis, IN; sisters: Pamela Jean Perkins of Indianapolis, IN and Joyce (Glenn) Douglas of Severn, MD; Sister in Law: Mary Ann Dunn-Ward of Indianapolis, IN; niece and goddaughter: Jasara Maxine (Marcus) Perkins of Jackson, TN; nephew: Kristopher Dunn Komakech of Indianapolis; mother-in-law, Norma Jean Roberts of Goodyear, AZ and a host of extended family and friends.

Jerry Lee Perkins will be missed but never forgotten. We know he is at peace with God our Father.

The viewing will be held at 9 AM followed by the funeral service at 11 AM, Saturday, February 10 at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona. For those joining on-line here is the zoom information.

Topic: Celebration of Life for Jerry Lee Perkins

Time: Feb 10, 2024 11:00 AM Arizona/12:00 PM (Noon) CST/1:00 PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88378195282?pwd=3goXm0C6Cv5I0YDkyoMFo0QY1WpWrn.1

Meeting ID: 883 7819 5282
Passcode: s1WX8h