Barbara Perkins Obituary

Barbara Ann Perkins

Jul 9, 1946 - Sep 22, 2025

Willard

Barbara Ann Perkins, 79, of Willard, passed away unexpectedly at her residence Monday, September 22, 2025. She was born July 9, 1946, the eighth child to the late Rose Marie Horne (née Amburgy) and James Ermin Horne.

Barb was a force. There wasn't much she couldn't do, and it's impossible to list all the things she was to those lucky enough to know her. She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother; she was our party planner, kitchen hairdresser, cake decorator, advocate, and the center of her family.

She was brilliant – a voracious reader, an incredible cook, and downright hilarious. She was the constant caretaker and home-base; she was adored, and never let anyone doubt that she adored them right back – though she may have done it in a sarcastic tone.

She did a great number of jobs in her life, though the most important one of all was always looking after her own. She was the champion and cheerleader of every single one of her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren, and she left everyone with a piece of her heart, which never seemed to run out.

She loved simply and unconditionally. Together with her husband, Terry, she supported her family through each crisis and celebrated each success with sincere love and affection. Barb and Terry were synonymous with comfort, laughs and fierce love and loyalty to the entire family.

Barb is survived by her husband of 52 years, Terry Lynn Perkins; their children, Amy Rachelle McFarland (husband Don McFarland), Aaron Lynn Perkins (wife Allison), and Andrea Jean Goff (husband Ken Goff); her sister, Theresa Kaye Perkins (Husband Eddie Lee Perkins); her brother, James E. Horne Jr (wife Joy); her grandchildren, Britney Marie Schneider (husband Gerald Schnieder), Shawn James Gayheart (wife Jen), Seth Thomas Gayheart, Matthew Edward McFarland, Madeline Hannah McFarland, Jordyn Taylor Zervos (husband Nick Zervos), Victoria Rose Goff (partner Carmen Montero), Henry James Perkins, Maxwell Jude Perkins; her seven great-grandchildren, Hunter, Scarlett, Isaiah, Dylan, Bentley, Ellie, Huxley, and all of the words and phrases she made up, woven forever into her family's vocabulary.

She is preceded in death by her sisters, Diana Joye, Muriel Lee, Minta Sue, and Betty Jo; and her brothers, Billy Jean, Gordon Dean, Richard Ray, and Edward Glen.

Dinner will be served after the service at Kaye and Terry's apartment complex in Willard, affectionately known as "Perkins Plaza" to the family.

Barb's visitation will be from noon until time of her funeral service at 2 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2025, at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, with Brandon Horne officiating. Burial will follow service at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven.

Online condolences may be made to Barb's family by visiting www.secofuneralhomes.com.