Marie Wilson Perkins

Marie Wilson Perkins, age 81, passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2024 at her daughter’s home in Winter Haven, FL after a courageous battle with cancer. Marie was born in Earling, West Virginia on October 10th, 1942 to Myrtle Cathlean and Willis McAdoo Wilson. She spent her early childhood living at a coal camp in Lyburn, W.V. with her mother, father, and sister, until she was 10 years old. Marie was very proud of her father’s hard work and dedication as a coal miner, believing he risked his life each day to provide for his family. In fact, she was honored to be called a “coal miner’s daughter” throughout her life. Her mother took care of the home. She was caring and strong-willed, traits Marie inherited wholeheartedly. Living in a coal camp was not glamorous. None of the homes at the camp had indoor plumbing or electricity. Despite the conditions, Marie raved about her wonderful childhood and the love she shared with her mother, father, and sister. Marie considered her mother and father to be the greatest influences in her life and even called them her heroes. Her family later moved to Huntington, W.V. and Ceredo, W.V. She was known to be very protective of her little sister, Jewel. She never mis-behaved by any means, but she was suspended from school several times after defending herself or her sister. When Marie was 12, her father worked at Maidenform in Huntington. Marie worked there as well when she was 16 starting in the cafeteria and later becoming a seamstress there for a short time. Marie later became a teacher aide when her children were in school. She had a few different jobs throughout her life, but her most beloved profession was being a mother to her four children and a homemaker. Marie moved to Plant City, FL in 1973 where she raised her children and lived for almost 30 years before settling in Winter Haven, FL. She married Charles Perkins “John” in December 2003. John fulfilled a lifelong dream of Marie’s by taking her to Graceland for their honeymoon. In their early years of marriage, the couple enjoyed going to dances and visiting their hometowns in West Virginia. John cared for Marie during her battle with cancer with a dedication that many did not realize. Marie spent much of her time tending to her plants, crocheting, painting, and thrifting. She had a green thumb like no other and could remember the name of nearly any plant, especially flowering plants. In fact, she started an avocado and mango tree from seed. After waiting 10 years, the trees finally beared fruit this year, which was something she was worried she wouldn’t live to witness. Marie was gifted with a talent for crocheting. She crocheted blankets for her children & grandchildren and embellished various household items with crocheted ruffles or flowers. She was an extraordinary painter, among many other artistic abilities. Marie also had a knack for repurposing items into something useful or beautiful, taking things from “trash to treasure” with ease. She passed her love of crocheting, painting, and crafting to some of her granddaughters, who thoroughly enjoyed learning from her. Marie’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She was a devout mother and grandmother, never hesitating to sacrifice her needs for the good of her family. Marie never missed a birthday, graduation, award ceremony, sports game, or school event if she could help it. Most importantly, she gave advice and guidance to her children and grandchildren anytime it was needed. Marie loved anything that shined, glistened, or sparkled. She was well-known for her beautiful outfits and matching jewelry. She even enjoyed dressing up for her chemotherapy treatments each week and received compliments everywhere she went. Marie had a deep love for 50s music, especially songs by Elvis Presley. You could be certain to find her on the dance floor if rock and roll was playing. She loved Elvis so much that one of her daughters hired an Elvis impersonator for her birthday one year, which proved to be her favorite birthday celebration. Marie was a Christian with strong faith in God. She will be remembered as a selfless, altruistic wife, mother, and grandmother who always had a smile, even when she was sick. She had a quiet strength. She never complained and her faith remained strong throughout her fight with cancer. Marie was a devoted wife to John for 21 years; was “Moma” to her four children, Katherine (Randy) Allen, Rick Mills, Karen (Brian) Willis, and Larissa (John) Henry; she was “Ree” or “Mom” to their spouses and her nephews Tony (Jodie) Workman and Jamie Lee (Aricia) Workman; and was “Mammaw” to her grandchildren Krystal Russell, Angela (Doug) Frier, Erik Allen, Randy Allen, R.J. Mills, Matthew Mills, Brenton (Rachel) Willis, Kariana (Cameron) Donley, Dallas (Alia) Henry, Dylan Henry, and Kristiana Henry, great-grandchildren Darrell Taylor, Tylee Weaver, Reenie (Donald) Leavens, Gabe Frier, Bryce Frier, Chance Frier, Tyson Massenburg, Kaitlyn Allen, Blair Willis, Beckett Willis, Madison Henry, and great-great-grandchildren Jaylon Weaver and Aaron Weaver; Marie was also “Sissy” to Jewel (James) Mills and many family and friends in West Virginia. She was predeceased by her parents, Myrtle and Willis “Mack” Wilson, nephew Jamie Lee Workman and niece Aricia Workman. Services will be held at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home located at 650 E Main St. Bartow, FL 33830 on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024. Visitation will be at 10:30am and funeral service to follow at 11:00am. Interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery located at 4620 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812 following the service.