Shirley J. Perkins

On October 6, 1956, a beautiful baby girl was born to Morris Mays Jr. and Bernice Jefferson
Mays in Leggett, Texas. They named her Shirley Jean Mays.
She grew up in the Leggett community and attended Leggett Public School. She was active in
Future Farmers and Future Homemakers of America. Shirley was active in agriculture by raising
a show pig and was very active in homemaking where she loved cooking and sewing which
became one of her many talents. Shirley met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, she
married Joe Eddie Perkins on February 28, 1975, and moved to Livingston, Texas. To this union
two children were born. Shirley's career consisted of a bank teller, caretaker, and mail room
clerk, but the highlight of Shirley's life was the joy of being a mother and MeMaw most, not
only to her children and grandchildren, but to all children who crossed her path. Shirley took
pride in protecting and comforting children around her, opening her heart, her arms and home to
ensure all children in her presence were safe, stomachs full and they felt loved. She was selfless,
kind, strong, and a beautiful soul. Everyone who met her loved her dearly because she left that
impression. She fought a long and hard battle until the end. God called her beautiful soul home
on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her Father: Morris Mays Jr., Brothers: Morris Leroy Mays and
James Earl Mays, Mother In-Law: Gertie White Perkins.
She leaves to cherish her memories: Her Mother: Bernice Mays, A loving and devoted Husband: Joe Eddie Perkins;
Daughter: Shermeke Perkins (Clarence Henry); Son: Joe Perkins II (Shelindria); Ten
Grandchildren: TiShori (Alyssa), Quan (Kayla), Shay, Destiny, Buckie, JoJo, Jayden, Jazz, Tae,
Gabby (AJ); Five Great Grandchildren: Chason, Aubrey, Hendrix, Amir, Saiyan; Sisters:
Johnnice Bunn, Glenda Dirden, Dessie Williams, Peggy Mays, Patricia Mays, Kathy Dove (LG);
Brothers: Mark Mays (Elwanda), Michael Mays (Mellon), Louis Odums, Joe Mays, Patrick
Mays (Connie); Aunt: Gerline Thompson; Uncles: Milton Mays (Roxie), Robert Jefferson,
Mark Jefferson (Amelia); Sisters in Law: Shirley Butler, Wanda Perkins, Edna Cratic (Johnny),
Vivian Mark; Brothers in Law: Paul Perkins, Curtis Perkins (Carla), Garfield Perkins, Roy
Davis (Rachel); Special Friend: Nina Joyce Hulett. A host other relatives and friends.

ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Pierre Mays
Cory Dirden
Joshua Perkins
Cecil Perkins
Douglas Perkins
Michael Mays Jr.
Phillip Mays
Devante Mays

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Joe Perkins Sr.
Joe Perkins, Jr.
Michael Mays
Clarence "Chilli" Henry
TiShori Perkins
Jaquan Carter
Jayden Amos
Mark Mays
Joe Richard Mays
Curtis Perkins