Harriet Elinor Perkins

Harriet Elinor Perkins died Friday, March 11, 2016 at Waldron Nursing Center surrounded by family. She was 88 years old. Elinor was born to George & Ruby Witzenbacher on May 5th, 1927 in Springfield, Missouri. The family then moved to Detroit, Michigan. Elinor was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron and loved the Lord. She shared the gospel with anyone who'd listen and those that wouldn't.

As a young woman Elinor moved to Wisconsin and married Arthur Perkins Jr. who had returned home following the end of World War II. She had 6 children, was a homemaker, and ran a small family farm.

Elinor spent equal time in Wisconsin, Florida and Arkansas for retirement in her almost 89 years. She and her husband Art were volunteers at Waldron Nursing Center and would bring bouquets of their fresh flowers to the residents. She was a prolific gardener and would happily share her bounty with friends, neighbors and strangers.

Elinor was a huge (secret) supporter of The Christian Children's Fund. She recently received a letter thanking her for 28 years of financial support and it included the total she contributed over those years. It was astonishing. We felt proud of her and inspired by her example. She was an excellent cook and I'm sure it pained her to think of any child going hungry.

Elinor was survived by her children: Penny Perkins of Naples, Florida, Pat (Robin) Perkins of Waldron, Arkansas, Stephanie (Gary) Pajonk of Bonita Springs, Florida and Art Perkins III of Seattle, Washington. She has 10 grandchildren: Trisha, Tracy, Megan, Erin, Matt, Art IV, Jon, Jennifer, Abe and Elizabeth and three great grandchildren.

Elinor was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Shirley, her husband Art died in 2001 and two daughters: Louise and Cindy.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Viewing begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral. Officiating is Rev. Rickey Hunt. A private burial with family will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Condolences may be sent to Pat Perkins, P.O. Box 936, Waldron, Arkansas 72958.

A special Thank You to the Waldron Nursing Center for the great care Elinor received while under their care for the past 6 years. God Bless you all!