Obituary for Jennifer Lee Perkins
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020 our hearts were broken with the sudden passing of Jennifer Lee (Mullis) Perkins. Jennifer was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. All who loved her were drawn to her kind, gentle spirit. She faced several challenges in her life, always with grace and patience. Being a mother to her daughter and son was her greatest joy in life, they both thought of her as their best friend.
Jennifer was born June 7, 1962 in Bloomington, IN the second daughter of William and Sharon Mullis. She grew up in Bloomington with many dear friends she had throughout her life. Her family moved to Lafayette, Muncie, and Greenwood. Jennifer graduated from Center Grove High School in 1980. She became a school health aide when her youngest child started kindergarten, and that started her 22 year career in the Warren Township School Corporation. She loved working with elementary children where her patience and kindness were so valuable. She was always the first one to dry a tear, bring a treat, or just give a hug when a child needed it. Jennifer was named the Support Staff Person of the Year for Warren Schools. She loved her job and always went beyond expectations.
Jennifer loved nothing more than working in her garden in the early spring sunshine, walking on the beach at St. Pete Beach, and sunning by the pool enjoying a margarita with family and friends. She had an eye for color and style and was one of those people who could decorate and see beauty in life where others might have missed it. She could, and did grow anything she tried, she truly had a “green thumb”.
Jennifer is survived by her dearest loves, her children Abby and Jacob Perkins and her loving mother Sharon Settles. She also leaves sisters Julie Dukes (Tom) and Jill Chipman (Barry), nephews Ben and Nick Dukes, Brock Chipman (Cheryl), and her niece Billie Chipman. Her extended family includes several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Beyond her family and so important in her life were many special lifelong friends. She is also survived by the father of her children Nate Perkins, and her mother’s husband Bill Settles. Everyone who was fortunate enough to have Jennifer in their life loved the sweet soul she was. She was preceded in death by her father William Mullis, maternal grandparents Oren and Macy Bruce, paternal grandparents Howard and Dorthy Mullis, a special aunt Starr Bruce, and several great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.
At this trying time in our world we are not able to gather with loved ones and celebrate the life Jennifer lived, but when that is possible her family wants to welcome all who loved her to come and share their fond memories. That celebration will be announced as soon as possible.
Many people have reached out wanting to help and comfort Jennifer’s family. Donations may be made to the family to help with the daily, on-going medical expenses of Jennifer’s son Jacob.
Jennifer was born June 7, 1962 in Bloomington, IN the second daughter of William and Sharon Mullis. She grew up in Bloomington with many dear friends she had throughout her life. Her family moved to Lafayette, Muncie, and Greenwood. Jennifer graduated from Center Grove High School in 1980. She became a school health aide when her youngest child started kindergarten, and that started her 22 year career in the Warren Township School Corporation. She loved working with elementary children where her patience and kindness were so valuable. She was always the first one to dry a tear, bring a treat, or just give a hug when a child needed it. Jennifer was named the Support Staff Person of the Year for Warren Schools. She loved her job and always went beyond expectations.
Jennifer loved nothing more than working in her garden in the early spring sunshine, walking on the beach at St. Pete Beach, and sunning by the pool enjoying a margarita with family and friends. She had an eye for color and style and was one of those people who could decorate and see beauty in life where others might have missed it. She could, and did grow anything she tried, she truly had a “green thumb”.
Jennifer is survived by her dearest loves, her children Abby and Jacob Perkins and her loving mother Sharon Settles. She also leaves sisters Julie Dukes (Tom) and Jill Chipman (Barry), nephews Ben and Nick Dukes, Brock Chipman (Cheryl), and her niece Billie Chipman. Her extended family includes several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Beyond her family and so important in her life were many special lifelong friends. She is also survived by the father of her children Nate Perkins, and her mother’s husband Bill Settles. Everyone who was fortunate enough to have Jennifer in their life loved the sweet soul she was. She was preceded in death by her father William Mullis, maternal grandparents Oren and Macy Bruce, paternal grandparents Howard and Dorthy Mullis, a special aunt Starr Bruce, and several great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.
At this trying time in our world we are not able to gather with loved ones and celebrate the life Jennifer lived, but when that is possible her family wants to welcome all who loved her to come and share their fond memories. That celebration will be announced as soon as possible.
Many people have reached out wanting to help and comfort Jennifer’s family. Donations may be made to the family to help with the daily, on-going medical expenses of Jennifer’s son Jacob.