Barbara Jean Perkins

August 31, 1937 - June 22, 2017

Barbara Jean Perkins August 31, 1937 - June 22, 2017

Longtime resident of East Palo Alto, California, Barbara Jean Perkins passed away on June 22, 2017 peacefully at the age of 79 due to respiratory failure. Barbara was born in Bessemer, Alabama to Willie and Pauline Thomas on August 31, 1937. Barbara accepted Christ at a young age and enjoyed attending church. She participated in many church activities with her mother at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hueytown, Alabama.

After graduating from Westfield High School, Barbara relocated to East Palo Alto, California and attended cosmetology school in Oakland. After graduating from cosmetology school, Barbara worked for Simmons House of Style and then Price Beauty Salon where she became the owner/operator. Barbara was joined in holy matrimony to the late William Jones. After his passing, she later married the late Emerson Perkins Sr.

As a young woman, Barbara joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend James Branch and as an adult later rejoined under Dr. Robert L. Fairley and currently under Dr. Ricky Williams. Barbara was a faithful member of St. John where she served as a hospitality committee member, hospitality president and a member of the Women’s Mission ministry. Barbara was also responsible for reading the church announcements during the 11 o’clock worship service. Barbara attended Sunday School and Bible Study and she also participated in St. John’s 50 Day Spiritual. Barbara was a church member you could always count on, ready to help in any capacity with a smile.

Barbara was a person of faith and lived life serving others in the community. She was a member of Tulip L. Jones Women’s Club of East Palo Alto since the early 90’s.

She served numerous terms as Past President leading the organization with a club motto of “When love and skills work together, it creates a masterpiece.” Barbara worked very hard with the members to raise money to help provide scholarships for graduating seniors. These students have gone on to prestigious universities as Barbara always encouraged them to succeed and become productive members in society.

In addition to being past club president of Tulip L. Jones, Barbara also served two terms as past State President of California and one term as Northern District President of California which are all under the umbrella of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club. Helping youth has always been Barbara’s passion. She has been responsible for organizing Debutante Balls while she served as President for the California Cosmetology Legislative Educational Committee.

Barbara was a cosmetologist for over 50 years. She owned and operated Price Beauty Salon in East Palo Alto, CA located at 2112 University Ave. Barbara was known for keeping your hair healthy, jerry curls, hair coloring and weaves. Clients enjoyed coming to Barbara! She had a great ear for listening without judging and clients always felt comfortable speaking with her about any and everything! Barbara was also a board member of the East Palo Alto Senior Center, and remained active until her health did not allow her to fully participate.

When Barbara was not busy participating with the numerous organizations she was a part of, she loved cooking for family gatherings. Her superb macaroni and cheese, potato salad, greens, cornbread and desserts were all mouth-watering. Barbara loved spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, watching Western movies, eating at her favorite restaurant (Sizzler), going on cruises, traveling to places such as India, Europe and even Jerusalem. Barbara also loved to shop. Back in the day you would find her at her favorite department store I.Magnin.

Barbara rejoins her loved ones, her father, Willie Thomas, her mother, Pauline Thomas, her brothers Emanuel Thomas and Willie Thomas, and both husbands, William Jones and Emerson Perkins Sr. .

She leaves to cherish her memories, three children: Donald Jones of Atlanta, GA and his wife Melba; Stacey Williams of Livermore, CA and her fiancé Jeff Kennon; Jennifer Stephens of East Palo Alto, CA and her husband Rycklon; two sisters: Theresa Thomas of Milpitas, CA; Pauline McKeever of Modesto, CA; five grandchildren: Demetra Jones of Oakland, CA and her mother Lisa Jones; William and Janelle Jones of Atlanta, GA and their mother Christie Morimoto; Rycklon Stephens Jr. of East Palo Alto, CA; Samora Stephens of East Palo Alto, CA; cousin Byrdie McClure of Austell, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.