Judith Mae McKelvey Perkins, age 81, passed away on June 15, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born on November 11, 1943, in DeKalb, Illinois, to the Reverend Wesley Evans McKelvey and Pearl Evelyn Putnam McKelvey. Judith spent her early years in Illinois, attending Morgan Park High School in Chicago before graduating from Freeport Senior High School in 1962.

She began her college education at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1962, she met her future husband, Bill Perkins, in Freeport, Illinois. Afterward, she transferred to MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Judy and Bill were married on June 12, 1965, in Freeport.

Judith went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 1967. She later completed a master's degree in elementary education from the same institution in 1975.

Judith began her career teaching second grade at Southwest Elementary School in Dexter, Missouri, before opening her own preschool. A patient and loving educator, she found joy in being surrounded by children and went on to teach preschool in the Dexter area for over 30 years. During that time, she also wrote a weekly column for the Dexter Daily Statesman titled "You and Your Terrific Child," offering creative activities and guidance to encourage parental involvement and nurture early childhood development.

After retiring from teaching, Judith continued her commitment to education by working with Southeast Missouri State University, helping accredit early childhood education programs.

Throughout her life, Judith embraced a variety of creative and joyful pursuits, including music, ceramics, quilting, scrapbooking, bird watching, and dancing with her husband. She had a deep love for hospitality, often opening her home and heart to those without family by inviting them to share Sunday dinners and holiday meals.

In 2015, Judith and Bill moved to Wichita, Kansas, to be near their daughter, Janice Perkins. In 2019, Judith entered Catholic Care Memory Care, where she continued to receive daily visits from her devoted husband and attended weekly church services. A preacher's kid, she remained a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in every community she called home.

Judith lost the love of her life, Bill Perkins, on January 5, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Pearl McKelvey, and her younger brother, Loran McKelvey.

She is survived by three loving daughters: Joan Perkins of Washington, D.C.; Janice Perkins of Wichita, Kansas; and Jill Perkins Hare of Greensboro, North Carolina; as well as six grandchildren: Mia and Elena Shaker, Asher and Giya Fairbairn, and Evelyn and Lydia Hare.

She is also survived by her younger sister, Janet McKelvey Stodd; her sister-in-law, Meredith McKelvey; and her sister-in-law, Paralee Perkins.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory.