Lillie Perkins' Legacy Memorial Fund

Unexpectedly, on January 24, 2022, Mrs. Lillie E. Perkins, a retired and beloved New Haven Public School Gifted Education teacher, passed away. Always a dedicated educator, Mrs. Perkins accepted her first teaching position at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in 1972. She established the Martin Luther King Jr. School Gospel Choir, the Helen Grant School Gospel Choir and the Unity Boys Choir in New Haven. Under Mrs. Perkins' leadership, the Unity Boy's Choir was so outstanding that they performed for national and international dignitaries like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Former First Lady Hillary Clinton. In addition to her 40 years of service in New Haven Public Schools, Mrs. Perkins, with the help of her devoted husband James (Rudy) and daughter Tiara, volunteered and participated in countless community programs. Mrs. Perkins taught with love and kindness, but most of all, she inspired with integrity. She reminded her students, everyday, that they were all her children and that they could achieve anything.

 

In 2002, Rudy became ill. Later, this illness rendered him immobile and needing 24- hour care. Tiara felt compelled to provide one-on-one care for her ailing father. Sadly, after many years of illness, James Perkins passed away in 2018. His untimely passing left Tiara and Mrs. Perkins completely heartbroken. The following year, still grieving the loss of her beloved Rudy, Lillie suffered a stroke. Once again, Tiara unselfishly stepped into the role of her mother's sole caretaker. After two years of declining health, Lillie transitioned. For the past 20 years, Tiara has gracefully and lovingly dedicated her life to the care of her ailing parents. With her mother's passing, Tiara is not only grieving but bears the burden of financial obligations, such as medical bills and final expenses.

 

Please join the community's effort to alleviate Tiara's sudden financial challenges. She is an amazing young woman. For decades, Tiara and her parents have been a blessing to the Greater New Haven Community. We are now asking the community to be a blessing to Tiara.