OBITUARY: Dene Hope Perks

0
212
Dene-Hope-Perks

Dene Hope Perks, known for her fierce love for her family and her sense of style, passed away on May 19th, 2023 in Westmoreland, Tennessee.

She was born on July 20th, 1929 in St. James, Missouri to the late Merrill Merry and Sarah Madonna Wyckoff.

Dene lived a life full of adventure and love. She served her community as both a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader when her children were young and volunteered on their school’s PTA. She also served on the Socorro Independent School District School Board. She had a passion for dancing that took her all the way to the Texas state level competitions for Senior Dancing Olympics. Her fashion sense was impeccable and she was always dressed to impress.

Dene married the love of her life, Thomas Ray Perks Sr., who passed away before her.

She is survived by her loving children Thomas Ray Perks, Jr and his wife Debbie Jolley-Perks, Corlette Gail (Cory) Brooks and her husband Bruce Quinn; grandchildren, Michael Brooks and his wife Sarah Brooks, William Perks, Sierra Perks, Melissa Keith and her husband Justin Keith; great-grandchildren, Skylee Brooks, Brenden Brooks, Benjamin Perks, Raine Brooks, Charleigh Keith, Oliver Keith, River Brooks and Lakelyn Brooks and sister-in-law, Nancy Hardy.

Later in life she met Richard McWilliams, with whom she shared many wonderful years. Additionally, she loved and was loved by countless extended family and friends in Las Vegas, Nevada, Socorro, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings Merrill H. Merry and Myrna Merry.

Friends and family members remember Dene for her unwavering devotion to her loved ones. As she would tell anyone, her profession was as a Homemaker and she put family first. She also was always up for a party and there are many happy memories of all the highly decorated holidays and milestone birthdays especially her 80th in Las Vegas, Nevada and her 90th in Gallatin, Tennessee.

Dene’s stylish nature inspired others to find their unique fashion sense as well. Her love for dancing inspired others to pursue their passions fearlessly. The world has lost a truly special person who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Charter Senior Living of Gallatin, Westmoreland Care and Rehabilitation, and Highpoint Hospice for their lovingly care for Dene. The nurses and staff members are Angels on Earth!

Memorial service is scheduled for 2 pm, Friday, June 2nd at Charter Senior Living, 1085 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Charter Employee Appreciation Fund at the above address or call 615-230-5600.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date and she will be laid to rest with her husband at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anderson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main Street, Gallatin. https://www.andersonfuneralhome.org

 

For more obituaries visit https://sumnercountysource.com/obituaries/