The Beautiful Life of Mae Frances Perry

On April 23rd, 1953, in Minter City, Mississippi, Mae Frances Perkins was born to her loving parents, Eugene Perkins Sr. and Beatrice nee Wright Perkins. Mae Frances was the fourth of nine children.

Mae Frances was a very quiet and watchful girl who paid attention to almost everything. As a child, Mae was taught that if you paid attention, you would learn something. She abided by this teaching as she did not ask any questions but let the thoughts flow into a higher level of understanding.

Mae began her education at TY Fleming School in Minter City, Mississippi. Mae continued her education in the Racine School System after her mother moved to Racine to seek a better life and education for her children in 1966. May worked several jobs, retiring after 27 years at JI Case in 2003. She was a great employee and gained many lifelong friends during her tenure at Case.

Mae married Robert Lee Perry on May 15th, 1970, and to this union three beautiful children were born, Nicholle, Angela, and Tony. Mae adored her children so much that she gave them the best of everything. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life, and she loved them dearly.

Along with her husband, she joined Wayman African Methodist Episcopal A.M.E. Church under the leadership of Reverend Thomas Cooper. Later under the leadership of Pastor Ernest J Ni'A where she remained a member until her death. She loved singing and was a member of the Wayman A.M.E. church choir. She was a songstress in her own right and will be remembered as such.

Her ministry was being helpful and thoughtful to others, regardless of the request. She was a pillar in the community as she provided transportation, was hospitable, remembered everyone's birthday and age, and organized countless events in the Racine area.

She organized an annual father and son fish fry with her husband Robert and son Tony. They united the entire Racine community. This event was perfect for Mae as she oversaw the games, raffles and prizes for everyone to enjoy, which brought her an enormous amount of happiness.

Mae had a special love for her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that in return loved her, took care of her and stood by her side until the very end. On Saturday, January 27th, 2024, God in His infinite wisdom dispatched his angels to carry Mae Frances to her heavenly home.

Mae Frances leaves to cherish her precious memories. Her loving husband Robert Lee Perry, her devoted children Nicholle Perry Black, Angela Perry, Tony (Donna) Perry, 5 grandchildren Kayla, Daijah, Keenen, Tonaijah, and Markey, two Great grandchildren Caine and Kyrie, God daughter Tanya Witherspoon. Siblings Eugene Perkins Jr. Irene (Jerry) Anderson, Marilyn (Jarvis) Finley, Lionel (Deborah) Perkins, Christine Perkins, all of Wisconsin, and Reginald (Myra) Perkins of Minnesota. One aunt, Florine Miller, One uncle, James Perkins, Sisters and brothers- in- laws Bessie (Ronald) Claybrook, Gaynell Harlan, Linda Perry, and Bruce Perry of Wisconsin. Special friends, Janice, Mattie, Nevordia, Melvina, Minnie Dean, and Margaret. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the Wayman A.M.E. Church family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Beatrice Perkins, two sisters, Alice White and Evelyn Perkins, 3 Nieces, Renee Lofton, Melissa Anderson, and Deanna McWhorter. Mother and father-in-law William and Johnnie Irene Perry and brother- in – laws, Leonard Cotton and William Perry Jr.

A celebration of Mae's life and homegoing will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, 11:00am, at Wayman A.M.E. Church, 424 N. Memorial Drive, with Rev. Ernest Ni'A officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

Psalm 100

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Service Details

All services will be at Wayman A.M.E Church, 424 N. Memorial Drive, Racine, WI 53404

Visitation and Viewing: Saturday, February 10, 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 10, 2023, 11:00am

Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

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