MAY BELLE PERKINS

Homegoing Celebration for May Belle Perkins

May 2, 1940 – April 19, 2026

May Belle Perkins was born on May 2, 1940, in Lake Village, Arkansas, to the late Ernest  Bryant Sr. and the late Mable Bryant-Clardy. She peacefully departed this life on April 19, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerome Perkins, Jr, father, Ernest Bryant, Sr, mother Mable Bryant-Clardy, brothers, Ernest Bryant Jr. and Charles Bryant, mother-in-law, Lillie Batts, sister-in-law, Emma Perkins, brother-in-law Eddie Perkins, and niece, Jackie Perkins.

At an early age, May accepted Christ and lived a life firmly grounded in faith. She attended St. Bartholomew Catholic School, graduating in 1958, and was a devoted member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.

May dedicated her professional life to education within the Pulaski County School District, where she touched countless lives through her passion for learning and her genuine care for others. A woman of many talents, May was known for her creativity and artistic spirit. She crafted beautiful ceramics and intricate crochet pieces that her family will cherish for generations.

May was united in marriage to the late Jerome Perkins Jr., and together they shared 41 years of love and commitment. From this union, four children were born.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Son: Gerald Perkins, Little Rock, AR. Daughters: Sherie Smith  (Luther), Fort Worth, TX; Sonja Hart, Little Rock, AR; Stacy Perkins, Little Rock, AR Grandchildren: Darrin Hart, Sherwood, AR; Romon Hart (Tamekia), Middletown, DE; Paul Stewart Jr. (Gabi), Fort Worth, TX; Megan Cox, Maumelle, AR Great-grandchildren: Kiyah Stewart and Zack Nelson

Nephews: Rodney Bryant, Little Rock, AR; Jeremiah Bryant, Tulsa, OK; Joshua Bryant, Tulsa, OK; Dexter Perkins, Little Rock, AR; Michael Perkins, Plano, TX  Nieces: Tracy Bryant-Lewis (Paul), Romulus, MI; Nicole Perkins, Little Rock, AR; Toya Bryant, Philadelphia, PA. Beloved Cousin: Linda Robinson, Kansas City, MO Beloved Extended Family: Victor Roy, Little Rock, AR; Christopher King, Little Rock. AR. Along with a host of other relatives and dear friends.

May Belle Perkins will be remembered for her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, her quick wit and joyful laughter, her resilient spirit, and—who could forget—her love for a good ball game, and that signature look that could stop you in your tracks and speak volumes without a word. 

POEM: Don’t Cry For Me

Don’t cry for me,
I will be okay.
Heaven is my home now,
and this is where I’ll stay.
Don’t cry for me,
I’m where I belong.
I want you to be happy
and try to stay strong.
Don’t cry for me,
it was just my time.
But I will see you someday
on the other side.
Don’t cry for me,
I am not alone.
The angels are with me
to welcome me home.
Don’t cry for me,
for I have no fear.
All my pain is gone,
and Jesus took my tears.
Don’t cry for me,
this is not the end.
I’ll be waiting here for you
when we meet again.

Family Acknowledgement
The family would like to thank each and every one of you for your love, prayers, calls, cards, flowers, and support. We praise God for you and thank you for your continued prayers for our
family. May God bless each of you.

Scripture: Those Who Died in Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (AMP)

For more information, plant a "Living Memorial" Tree, sign online guest register, send flowers/cards/condolences/gifts/photos and light an "In Loving Memory Of" tree: www.kellysmithfunerals.com.  * 501-612-5607.

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