Obituary of Everlean Wilkins

Everlean (Perry) Wilkins, 99, of South Bend, passed away at the Golden Living Center on September 16, 2022.

On August 16, 1923, Everlean was born in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her entire life Everlean was known as a caregiver, a true friend, and a selfless individual. She was raised with four other brothers which meant that she was sweet as can be but knew how to handle her own. Family was at the core of her values and was what she prioritized over anything else. She enjoyed passing down the knowledge and wisdom she acquired over the years. She had a special way of cooking and baking that only she knew how to do. Everlean passed down the knowledge of cooking traditional soul food and was generous enough to share her chicken n’ dumplings recipe. Her caramel cake was remarkable and was famous amongst her family and friends. She was a cook by trade and the meals she prepared for the public were always prepared with the same effort and love that she put into cooking for her family. She enjoyed hosting and had a special way of making one feel right at home with her company and conversation. Southern hospitality was something that she learned early on and carried with her until the day that she passed. Fishing and finding a good deal at a garage sale were both things that brought her joy. What gave her more purpose and guidance than anything else in her life was her commitment to the Lord. She was a lifetime member of the Old Path of God Church and was known as the mother of the church. She was committed and faithful her entire life to serving her God and took pride in knowing that when her time came, she was going home where she belonged. Everlean Wilkins was a blessing to her community and her memory will be cherished for years to come.

Preceding her in death are both of her parents; her four brothers, Wallace, Clifford, Odell, and William Perry; as well as one of her children, Patine Perry.

She is survived by two of her children, Carolyn Smith and Rufus Perry Sr.; 21 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 59 great-great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-great grandchildren; a niece, Julie Jenkins; as well as many extended family members, friends, and a whole community that loved her as their own.

Funeral services for Everlean will take place at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation services on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. with the funeral starting at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made out to the Old Path Church of God at 940 N 6^th St., Niles, Michigan, 49120.

Memories, condolence messages, and pictures may be shared on her webpage at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.