John Braxton Perkins was born to the late Horace and Mary Sue Perkins on November 10, 1943. He
attended and was educated in Buckingham County schools where he formed the foundation of a life
characterized by hard work and dedication. John was ambitious, as a young man and took the opportunity to relocate to New Jersey, East Orange with his older brother, his great grandmother and uncle in 1965. Once he was established, he sent for his then wife. His only child was born during his first year of the relocation. John's devotion to his daughter, Nina Marie Nieves, was profound, and he cherished her with all his heart and soul.

John has always been gainfully employed in some form driving trucks. He worked for Brick Church for
more than 10 years until they went out of business. He then transitioned to Gordon and Thomas in East
Orange, New Jersey and enjoyed a successful 20-year career. In 1997 he retired back to Virginia settling
in Virginia Beach where he began his next chapter. John could not remain idle, he was employed by
Salmon Specialized Hauling Inc. dedicating almost 30 years until his retirement in June 2025.

In 2003, John married Linda Elizabeth Perkins, with whom he shared decades of love, laughter, and
companionship. John and Linda raised her three grandchildren, embodying the essence of family. He
was also a guiding presence to his stepchildren, Richard, Linda, Morbia, and Jamillah Branch. “Pop-Pop” as he is affectionally known, found his grandchildren Ashley Hersh (Mark) and Avery Nieves, his great-grandchildren Anjalee and Benjamin Hersh, and Tokyo and Hazel Newsome as a source of pride and enjoyment.

John found solace in simple pleasures, whether fishing, bowling, or enjoying the tranquility of his garage. He cherished these moments of peace, often sharing them with neighbors who were drawn to his
warmth.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nellie M. Walker (Rev. James), and his brothers
Leslie (Cleo) Perkins, (Reversa), Rev. James S. Perkins Sr., and Robert D. Perkins his niece Arnita Thurston
and his nephew Larry Walker.

He is survived by siblings, Grace Thomas (Elmer), Mary Sue Moore, George Perkins (Loretta), Bascom
Perkins (Helen), Yvonne Spencer, and Lucinda Saulisbury (Grayling), his nieces and nephews, cousins andclose friends who will all treasure their memories with him.A man of enduring kindness, John was known for his beautiful smile and welcoming nature. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, bringing joy and laughter into the lives of those around him through storytelling. As a former athlete he enjoyed sports and racing and would spend hours on the weekend watching his favorite team and drivers. He never missed an opportunity to eat fried chicken wings or fried potatoes and onions for breakfast. John is known for maintaining his annual tradition of enjoying chitterlings, potato salad, and green beans for New Year.

John Perkins will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of love and
kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his life.