Obituary of Cora Lee Perkins

Cora Lee Perkins, 93, peacefully departed this life early in the morning at home on the 9th day of May 2025.  Cora wasn’t a world leader, famous doctor, sports figure, entertainer or business tycoon. You never saw her name on social media, because the simple goodness of ordinary people makes no headlines; but Cora was one of the greatest women who ever lived.

The life story of Cora Lee Perkins began on June 24, 1931, in Buckingham, Virginia. She was one of seven children born to the late Phillip and Mary Lou Perkins.

Cora was educated at Buckingham County Schools. She retired from Con Agra Foods in 1991 after many years of service and began a second career as a Home Health Aide where she retired in 1999.

Cora was trained early in life on the importance of the Christian way and joined Union Hill Baptist Church at an early age. She attended church faithfully and was the oldest member of Union Hill until her passing.

Cora enjoyed the distinction as Mother of the Church at Union Hill Baptist Church. She was known for her active involvement at the church serving as an Usher and Chair of Culinary for many years.

She enjoyed the Church worship experience via the internet when she was no longer able to attend in person. Cora found joy in the simple pleasures in life, especially cooking, her special way of spreading warmth, love and joy to family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, puzzles and had a green thumb. She loved her flowers and took very good care of them.

Cora married the late Samuel Perkins, Sr., on October 6, 1945. Her marriage to Samuel Perkins, Sr. ended with his death in 1981.  From that marriage, God produced seven children: William, Franklin, Samuel, Jr., Thelma, Brenda, David and Ralph.

Cora was the Matriarch of the family, and was preceded in death by her father, Phillip, mother, Mary Lou, husband, Samuel E. Perkins, Sr., son David L. Perkins, brothers, Robert, William Henry, Richard, Sr., and sisters, Amanda, Adeline and Annie Mae.

Cora leaves behind to mourn her loss: her sons, William Sr. of Angeles City, Philippines, Franklin Perkins, Sr. (Phyllis) of Springfield, Virginia, Samuel Perkins, Jr. (Yvonne) of Buckingham, Virginia, Ralph Perkins (Mary) of Woodbridge, Virginia; her daughters, Thelma Perkins of Buckingham, Virginia, and Brenda Perkins of Richmond, Virginia.

Known adoringly as Granny, Cora leaves behind a legacy cherished by her 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; in addition to a host of devoted nieces, devoted nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Special thanks to Kathie Mosley, Martha Jefferson Hospital and Sentara Hospice Services for the love and care given during her illness.

All of Cora’s earthly family mourns our loss, while her Heavenly family celebrates their gain.