Gladys Pauline Perkins, 90, of Marked Tree, passed away Nov. 8 at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Marked Tree where she had been a resident for nine years.

Born Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1916 in Detroit, Ala. to the late John Alvin Rye and Maude Chandler Rye. The Rye family later moved to the Tyronza area. There Gladys met and married the life of her life, Chester Perkins.

She was a devoted wife, mother and "ma-maw." She and Chester were married 68 years and lived in the Black Oak Community all of their married life where they raised their three daughters: Ginger, Sandra and Kathy. She had such love in her heart for Chester, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gladys was a homemaker and a wonderful cook. Her specialties were her desserts. "Ma maw's" chocolate cream pies, coconut cream pies, caramel cakes, fresh coconut cake, blackberry cobblers and fried peach pies were a special treat to all the family. She enjoyed everyone coming to her home, and no one ever left hungry.

She loved God with all her heart and was a member of Marked Tree Church of God for around 50 years. She loved to sing and sang at church for many years with her daughters Ginger and Sandra as a trio.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Chester Aaron Perkins of Marked Tree; two daughters and son-in-laws, Virginia "Ginger" and Ralph Tacker of Tyronza and Kathy and Ken Gray of Watervalley, Miss; one sister, Navis Stracener of Jonesboro; one brother, Johnny Rye of Tyronza; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Perkins was preceded in death by two daughters, Carol June Perkins and Sandra Perkins Green and one son, Chester Aaron Perkins Jr.

Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at the Marked Tree Church of God. A pictorial was shown during the visitation of Gladys and her family.

A celebration of her life was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Marked Tree Church of God with Rev. Patrick Tucker, Rev. Danny Pankey and Rev. Rick Kimmery officiating. Burial followed at Tyronza Cemetery with Roller Funeral Home of West Memphis in charge of the arrangements.

Grandsons served as pallbearers. They were David Tacker, Mark Tacker, Patrick Green, Brent Beley, Connie Deckelman and Jeff Teague.