Michael Edward Perkins

MICHAEL EDWARD PERKINS was born to Mr. Wilbur & Elvada Perkins, in Little Rock, Ark. on Jan. 9, 1951. He was preceded in death by Daughter Sheree Perkins; both parents; brothers, Therman, Ersell and Jesse Beard, Willie and Wilbur Brice Perkins; Sisters, Barbara Beard, Bernice Perkins, Gurice Malone and Lazada Randall. Michael attended Phifer and G. W. Carver Elementary, Booker Jr. High and Horace Mann Senior High. He was introduced to Christ by his mother and was later ordained an Elder at Walkers Temple which later became the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop L.T. Walker. He was employed by Phelps Industries Inc. of Little Rock as a skilled welder for years. While employed by Phelps he was assigned to the Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ, Humphries, ARK. in 1984. He served faithfully for three years. Upon his resignation in 1987, Pastor Perkins and his family joined the New Zion Grove Baptist Church, North Little Rock, under the leadership of Ulysses Robinson Jr. In 1990 he was called to the New Hope Baptist Church 1851 Howard Street, Little Rock, Ark. where he served dutifully and faithfully for 26 years. Under his leadership New Hope flourished into a vibrant and active church adding numerous ministries such as outreach, women's, food bank and brotherhood ministries as well as children's church and adding a second service expanding the churches reach to all people. He licensed many ministers and served as their mentor guiding them through highs and lows of ministry. In 1998 Pastor Perkins was featured in the Full Gospel Today Magazine for his stellar leadership as a State Overseer which catapulted the church into the national spotlight. The church presently enjoys a strong spiritual, numerical and financial status. Pastor Perkins was a well loved and admired man of God who was highly regarded for his strong moral fiber, spiritual insight and wisdom. He fostered community partnerships most notably serving on the Executive Board for the GYST House and New Hope Living Center which allowed the church to serve as a safe haven for the hurting, wounded and downtrodden. He also worked alongside elected officials fulfilling his civic duty to city and statewide issues while serving on various committees with fellow Pastors. He could always be found praying for those who were ill, giving to those who were in need and supporting those who needed uplifting. He was a member of the Protho Lodge, of Prince Hall Masons. He was a respected song writer and recording artist with two gospel CDs to his credit. The Gospel Stars, "Who am I?" which he co-produced with brother (Pastor Charles Perkins) and the Melody Masters of Little Rock, Ark. He was frequently requested to sing, "I won't complain", for family members and funerals. He leaves to mourn his wife Gloria Jean Perkins; daughters Glomicha (Dwight) Townsend, MoSonija Perkins, of Little Rock, Ark.; Son, Andre DeWayne Perkins (Pat) of Aurora, Colo.; Grand-daughters Kyra Keys, Kiarah Perkins and Kyla Paiz Grandsons Dwight Townsend II, Andre Perkins Jr. and Michael Perkins; Brothers, Wilbert Frank Beard, Charles (Rosalyn) Perkins; Sisters, Loretta Williams, Rosalyn (Dexter) Booth and all of Little Rock, Ark. and a host of other relatives. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive 371-0111. Sign online guest book at www.robinsonmortuary.com "Service You Can Trust."