Dr. Mary Ellen Perkins, 99, of Atlanta, died Thursday, January 28, 2010. She was born on January 23, 1911 in Lakeland, FL to Edward Eugene Perkins, Sr. and Bessie Lee Rheney Perkins and they soon moved to Wadley, Georgia. Dr. Perkins moved to Atlanta in 1957. She attended Georgia Normal and Industrial College, graduating after two years. She taught school and later returned to college to earn her four-year degree in math. Dr. Perkins earned her master’s degree in education supervision and curriculum from the University of Georgia and received her Ph.D in 1964. Through her life she was affiliated in education, working for the Georgia State Department of Education at Berry and Shorter Colleges in Rome and retired after 42 years of service. After retiring, she worked on a history of student teaching at Morehouse College for two years and then joined Oglethorpe University part time. While teaching she was also consulting for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Perkins is survived by her siblings, Edward Eugene Perkins, 98, of Rome, GA, Frederick L Perkins, 95, of Cairo, GA and Blanche Poore, 102, of Atlanta; two nieces and three nephews; and four great nieces. Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 31 at 2:00 P.M. at Wadley United Methodist Church, Wadley, GA with Rev. Susan Pinson and Rev. Truett Leveritt officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Monday, February 1 at 2:30 P.M. at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was a member since 1959. Dr. David Jones will officiate the service. The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until 2:30 P.M. at the church on Monday. A. S. Turner & Sons.
