Joyce Mckinney Perkins

JOYCE M. PERKINS, age 95, of 15 Evergreen Street, Dryden, NY found her much deserved rest with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 1, 2018. Mrs. Perkins was born January 20, 1923 in Ithaca, NY, a daughter of the late Robert A. McKinney, DVM and Helen Steele McKinney. Joyce was graduated from Dryden High School in 1940 and lived to be the last surviving member of that class. In school, she was an accomplished musician, singing and playing the piano and horn. She studied voice at the city campus of the organization that would eventually become Ithaca College. Known to her schoolmates as “Joyce with the voice,” she sang for many weddings, funerals and special events. She was a 75-year member of The First Presbyterian Church of Dryden and sang in the choir for four decades. In 1965, Joyce and a few other “Dryden Gals” traveled to Moravia, NY to be part of the MCT production of Brigadoon. That experience was the impetus for her to invite several friends to her home to discuss forming a theater group in Dryden. As a new high school was under construction in Dryden in 1966, so was the idea of forming a community theater group, and the Dryden Footlighters was formed. She was active in the group through many of its productions. Joyce was a 76-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as the District Deputy Grand Matron in 1991. She was a 71-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Dryden Unit 1134. During World War II, she became engaged to her childhood friend, neighbor and classmate, Paul Palmer Perkins, and on Easter Sunday April 21, 1946, they were married in the Presbyterian Church. Paul passed away June 20, 2008. For more than 70 years, Joyce was actively involved in the daily operations of Perkins Funeral Home where she was well known as a greeter. She provided comforting words and was an inspiration to thousands of mourners. She was a member of the Dryden Fortnightly Club for more than 68 years. She loved to play her piano, sing to her grandchildren and looked forward to her entire family joining her on Sunday evening for popcorn and ice cream. Always a classy and appropriate lady, Joyce served an example for others.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Mahlon R. (Danielle) Perkins, Esq. and Bradley P. (Kathleen) Perkins both of Dryden; her grandchildren, Logan Elizabeth (Benjamin Pratt) Perkins, Esq. of Swanville, ME, Daniel Paul (Mollie) Perkins of West New York, NJ, Devin Patrick (Kathryn) Perkins of Greenville, SC, Kathleen Elizabeth Perkins, Esq. of Charlotte, NC, Jack Paul Perkins, Alexander Steele Perkins and Anne Webster Perkins all of Dryden; one great-grandson, Matthew Joseph Perkins of Greenville, SC; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters, Carolyn Williams, Frances Mary Schutt, and Eleanor Monroe.
Friends are invited to call 5 to 8 PM on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main Street Dryden, where O.E.S Services will be conducted at 7:45 PM. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at The First Presbyterian Church of Dryden with Rev. Virginia Coakley officiating. Interment will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden. Memorials are directed to The First Presbyterian Church of Dryden, P.O. Box 42, Dryden, NY 13053-0042. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com