Arlene Christine Patterson Perkins passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Prospect, Virginia, at the age of 87, to her eternal home.

Christine, as she was affectionately known, was born on May 10, 1938 in Prince Edward County, Virginia, to the late Albert and Margie Washington Patterson. She accepted Christ at an early age at Peaks Baptist Church in Prospect, Virginia where she faithfully served until her health would not allow. She carried her faith with her throughout her life.

She received her education in Prince Edward County, graduating from Robert Russa Moton High School before the school closures of 1959. She worked for Craddock-Terry Shoe Company until 1974, but her most prized attribute was being the neighborhood babysitter.

In 1961, Christine married the love of her life, Garland Lee Perkins Sr., and to the union, nine children were born. Christine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved her family.

Christine was preceded in death by: her parents, Albert and Margie Patterson; her husband, Garland L. Perkins Sr.; two children, Garland L. Perkins Jr. and Audrey S. Perkins; and one brother, Ernest Patterson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children, Margie L. Davis, Catherine Perkins, Doris P. Johnson, Jennifer P. Redd (Arthur), Donald L. Perkins (Bernice), Melissa P. VanRomondt, and Melinda P. Toney; thirteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; two sisters, Adell Anderson of Brooklyn, New York and Lillie Mae Walker of Detroit, Michigan; two nieces; and a host of other family and friends.