Carol Joan Perkins

Joan passed away on December 4, 2019.

She was born in Denver, CO on April 28, 1928 and spent her life between Colorado Springs and Denver. Joan was a life-long member of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church and also a lifetime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Harry T. and Mildred Chapman Engstrom and Sisters Barbara Jean Byrne and Janice Smith.

She is survived by her sons Merritt and wife Beverly of St. George, UT; Russell of Euless, TX, and Randy of Denver CO.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday 12/12/2019 from 4PM to 7PM at Olinger Hampton Mortuary & Cemetery located at 8600 E Hampton Ave Denver, CO

A memorial service will be held at Fairmont cemetery located at 430 S. Quebec Denver, CO at 930am Friday 12/13/2019 followed by a church service at the Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church located at 1980 Dahlia St .Denver, CO

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up in her name at the Montview Blvd Presbyterian Church 1980 Dahlia St. Denver, CO 80207

The following is from the Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church Messenger, Summer 2018:

Joan Perkins

Joan is among a very small number of Montview members who live close enough to church to hear the carillon bells. Joan has lived

in the Montview neighborhood during all of her school years. During her childhood, Joan lived in one of the bungalows that provided

space for Montview's current 'south campus'. joan's parents were Montview members and donated the funds to provide outside lights on the church. Joan remembers an idyllic childhood with her identical twin sister and older sister riding their bikes to school; participating in Christmas plays at Montview and caroling in the neighborhood during the holidays.

After high school, Joan attended cu. and graduated right after WWII. Shortly after meeting and marrying Bud (Merritt) Perkins, Jr., the young couple moved to Colorado Springs where, in the span of 4 years, they welcomed 3 boys into their family: 'Perk' (Merritt, III), Russell and Randall. While the children were young,Joan ended up a single parent. She worked for the lst Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs as the secretary to the Minister. Even though she was working full time, she made time to volunteer for the Cub and Boy Scout troops in which the boys participated, volunteered at the boys' school and was active in church. Randy remembers his mother as being strict and having high expectations for the boys. Now grown, the 3 boys have often been told that their good values are apparent.

In 1965,Joan moved up to the Denver area, continued to work and to help her mom. Joan rejoined Montview and was active as an usher, volunteered when church dinners were held and participated in the Mariners. Joan fondly remembers the dinners together and the warm fellowship that was shared among the members of the group. As her mother reached her 90's,Joan moved into the house on Grape Street allowing her Mom to stay in her home until she passed away. Joan remained in her Mom's house which has lovely antiques from multiple generations of Coloradoans.

Joan's favorite number is 7.' Not only does 'Perkins' have 7 letters but all the boy first names all have 7 letters. The first 2 boy were born on the 7th day of the month. Randy was due on the 7th, but ended up arriving early.

Joan is a little slower getting around these days, but she enjoys 'brain games', reading, and going on outings. Randy, while still working full time, moved in with Joan a few years ago to help her continue to live in the Grape Street house. He has a restored joan's '85 Oldsmobile Calais (which she purchased on 7/7/86 for $7700) and has won 1st place ribbons in car shows. Joan enjoys going to car shows, taking drives to see former family houses, churches and neighborhoods. She loves the Colorado mountains and enjoys family gatherings at Merritt's family cabin in Nederland.

Joan feels very blessed to not only live in Park Hill in a home that she loves, but to be a member of Montview over the past many decades. She values the visits of Pete Hulac and the companionship of two dedicated Montview companions: Megan Parsons and Mary Evelyn Eckford. Over several years, Megan and her children visited Joan regularly. Even though the Parson family moved, they still stop by when they are in Denver for a visit. Mary Evelyn has been visiting Joan for several years and continues weekly visits.

When asked what advice she has lived by, Randy was quick to provide a memory. As the boys were growing up, Joan stressed the value of always telling the truth. Randy remembers Joan repeatedly sharing Numbers 32:23, "You may be sure that your sin will find you out". Joan feels that Montview has been a steady support during many decades of her life. She appreciates the care, support and love that she has experienced from the Ministers and Montview community.