Barbara Elkins Perry

Barbara Joyce Elkins Perry, a woman of remarkable beauty, vibrant spirit and a heart full of love, passed peacefully into the eternal presence of God on April 9, at the age of 81. 

Born in Moss Point, MS, on August 5, 1944, Barbara was the fourth child and second daughter of Jessie May Littlefield Elkins and E. Van Elkins. She was a 1962 graduate of Moss Point High School and that same year she married her lifelong husband, Benny Carl Perry. Together they welcomed their son Carlton Douglas in 1965 and Darrell O’Neil in 1970. 

A devoted mother, Barbara was her sons’ biggest cheerleader on the ballfields and at the race tracks. Rain or shine, she was there in the stands, cheering with unwavering support. Her faithful presence at every event became a cherished family tradition, showing Doug and Darrell how deeply they were loved. 

Barbara went on to earn her degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She dedicated all of her professional life to education, working with the Moss Point School District Vocational School and serving as the Vocational Secretary at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jackson County Campus for 30 years. 

When not serving the students of Jackson County, Barbara could be found spending all of her free time working in her yard. She was famously picky about her lawn- she better not catch anyone driving on it! She tended to it with care and precision, ensuring every blade of grass and flowerbed was just right. Her yard was a reflection of her attention to detail and the high standards she set for herself and her work. 

Her striking beauty was matched by her warm and witty spirit. To her adoring grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Honey.” Her nieces and nephews affectionately called her “Big Mama”, a nickname humorously given to her while she was expecting her second son. To Benny, she was “Lightening”- a perfect nickname for her quick wit and sparkling personality. 

Barbara was incredibly generous with her time for her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. No child left her home without a coke or popsicle and a bag full of Double Bubble gum. For over 60 years, her home in Helena was a place of warmth and welcome- filled with her treasured collection of elephants, a fitting symbol of her own wisdom, steady presence and loyalty to those she loved. Welcoming Barbara in Heaven are her parents, her beloved big sister Grace and brother-in-law Peter- whom she lived across the street from for over sixty years, her baby brother Michael, and a big brother she never met, who passed in infancy. She is survived by her husband Benny, her sons Douglas (Pam), Darrell (Donna Trigg); her beloved grandchildren, Morgan Powell (Grayson), Robert Benjamin Perry (Lauren), Kelsey Perry (Ashley), and Kara Coaker (Timothy); her adored great-grandchildren, Chloe, Kelcy, Garrison, Alice Elizabeth, Anna Catherine, Robert Bennett, Audie Rose; her cherished siblings Herman Elkins, Lynda Posey, Gladys (Bill) Vice, Mary Veazey (Gene), Johnette Scott (Marshall), and her lifelong colleague and dear friend Violet Lett. 

The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice for their tender care for Barbara in the last weeks of her life, as well as caregivers Kelsey Perry, Teresa Emswiler, Mary Veazey, Ashley Perry and Chloe Walker. We are also grateful to Sharla Holder and Dora McIntyre for your presence, encouragement, meals and companionship.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10 - 11 am at Three Rivers Assembly of God, 15910 Hwy 63, Moss Point, MS 39562. The funeral service will be at 11 am in the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Helena.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Three Rivers Assembly of God Church or your favorite charity.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is serving the family.