Phyllis Gwendolyn (Harris) Perkins transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home, Friday, September 20, 2019, to be blessed with peace and to rest comfortably with the Lord. Phyllis was born November 14, 1946, in Akron, Ohio at City Hospital. She was the fourth child born to the late Raymond and Evelyn Harris. Phyllis was a proud lifetime resident of the Akron community, attending her school years at Lane Elementary, Thornton Junior High and the prestigious South (Big Blue!) High School, in which she was most proud. Phyllis frequently shared stories with her loved ones about how she enjoyed attending the “noon time lunch dances”, as well as how much she loved being amongst South High’s Big Blue alumni committee.

After high School, Phyllis worked briefly at O’Neil’s Department Store in downtown Akron. After working at O’Neil’s, she went on to work for the State of Ohio-Northcoast Behavorial Health in Sagamore Hills. While at Northcoast, Phyllis was awarded for perfect attendance and punctuality from her date of hire until her retirement in 2003; after serving 35 ½ years. What she loved most about her job was her connection with the residents of the hospital, her special friendships and the bond she made with her co-workers during her 45-minute to 1-hour commute to work.

While she was known for being a hard and dedicated worker, Phyllis was most importantly known for being a faithful and dedicated child of God. Phyllis knew and loved the Lord very early on in life. She first accepted Jesus Christ in her teenage years at St. John’s Methodist Church, where she was baptized and sang in the gospel choir. Phyllis ventured to several churches before finding her “church home” at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. At Mount Calvary, Phyllis was a very loved and respected member. Many looked forward to her hugs and kisses every Sunday. Very often she would quote, “the church is a home for all to come together and worship, regardless of the depth or the height of our testimony.” Phyllis was proud to donate to many Christian charities and organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Evelyn Harris; brother, Robert Garlington and sister, Barbara Harris.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Sherell (Robert) Taylor of Akron, OH and Melissa Perkins (Adam Aldridge) of Cleveland, OH; stepchildren, Melvin Perkins Jr. of Houston, TX, Mark Perkins of Akron, OH, Melvena Perkins of Akron, OH and Jason Carmichael of Akron, OH; grandchildren, Whitney Taylor (Kelvin Malone) and Wesley Taylor; 3 step-grandchildren, Mark Perkins II, Jaelyn Perkins, and Andre Shephard, Jr.; 1 great-grandchild, Sean Taylor; brothers, Melvyn Harris of El Paso, TX, Leon “Bull” Harris Sr. of Akron, OH and sister, Jackie Harris Dixson (the late Lyn Dixson) of Akron, OH; special nephews, Leon (Dawn) Harris Jr., Marcus (Candy) Harris and Jerry (Rosita) Harris; lifelong best friends, Phyllis Johnson and Margaret Robinson and a host of loving relatives and friends.