Deaconess Helen Marie Banks Perkins, 79, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday morning, May 6, 2009 after battling with an illness. Her loving heart ceased to beat, her stay on earth was complete. Our love for her will never cease. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Letcher J. Perkins. She leaves to cherish her memories; two sons Lawrence Perkins of Washington, D.C., Levi Perkins and his wife Barbara of Suitland, Maryland; two daughters Sheila Trowers of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and special friend Phillip Coates, and Camilla King and her husband Andre of Bristow, Virginia; a devoted niece who she treated like a daughter Gaylene Musgrove of Oxon Hill, Maryland, one brother-in-law Richard Perkins and wife Evelyn of Clinton, Maryland; one sister-in-law Tina Perkins Roots; four grandchildren, Lawrence Perkins, Jr.; Eric Perkins, Ashley Trowers and Natalie King; one great grandson Kyree Perkins; two nieces, Lisa Musgrove and Janice Banks and a host of other cousins, nieces,nephews, relatives and friends. Helen was the daughter of the late Arthur and Dora Banks of Louisa, Virgina. She joined and was baptized at Foster Creek Baptist Church at an early age. Helen was a faithful member of Foster Creek and served on the Deaconess Board and Senior Choir until prevented by illness. She received her early education in the Louisa County Public School system and later went on to graduate from the George Washington University Shool of Nursing, in Washington, D.C. Helen worked in th nursing profession for over forty years in Wasington, D.C., and Charlottesville, Virginia. She retired from the University of Virginia Medical Center, and later worked part time for a period of five years.

Helen's passion was caring for people; she dsplayed an untiring commitment to serving God through service as well as taking care of the sick. She was blessed with a gentle, loving nature and a spirit that brought about peace to others. Helen displayed special unique qualities that made her loved by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 11, 2009 at 11am at Foster Creeck Baptist Church 4028 East Jack Jouett Road Louisa, Virginia with the Rev. John Wright officiating. Interment will follow in the First Baptist Church Cemetery.