BEATRICE SHIRLEY PERKINS

VERGENNES — Beatrice Shirley Perkins, affectionately known as Shirley and lovingly remembered by family and lifelong friends as “Punky,” passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt. She was 81 years old.

Born May 4, 1945, in Rutland, Vt., Shirley dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. Though life was often modest, she ensured her daughters always had what truly mattered — her love, encouragement, and unwavering presence.

From March 1964 until December 1988, Shirley was married to Clayton Perkins. As the wife of a Vermont State Trooper, she created a home that became a welcoming gathering place for family, friends, fellow troopers, and Fish and Game officers. Her kitchen was always open, and she became well known for her homemade apple pies, baking powder biscuits, Sunday morning pancakes, and the warmth and hospitality she extended to everyone who walked through her door.

Shirley had a remarkable gift for creating beauty. She loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens and keeping a beautiful home. She was especially proud of learning to play the piano, and her love of music remained with her throughout her life.

In 1980, Shirley became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life for more than four decades, bringing her purpose, comfort, and a cherished congregation of lifelong friends whom she considered family.

Shirley is survived by her loving daughters, Tammy Perkins and her partner, Paul Meachum, and Teena Betourney and her husband, Kevin Betourney; her beloved grandchildren, Christine Baldwin and her husband, Josh, Kaitlyn Delphia and her husband, Garrett Wright, Kyle Delphia, Alexis Betourney, and Felecia Betourney; and her three adored great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Paul Meachum for the love, care, and support he gave Shirley and Tammy, especially during Shirley’s illness. His kindness, patience, and steady presence were deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

She is also survived by her beloved sister, Linda, of California; Linda’s children, Jeff Accavallo and Ronda Raftery née Guyette; Ronda’s son Travis, and the daughters of her late brother, Donald Small — MaryBeth, Kristine, and Janine. Jeff, her only nephew on her side of the family, held a particularly special place in Shirley’s heart, and she was immensely proud of the man he became. Ronda shared a lifelong bond with Shirley, spending many childhood summers in her home, creating memories they both treasured.

Shirley also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, and her beloved brothers and sisters in the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She was predeceased by her parents, Edwin Small and Charlotte Purcell Small; her brother, Donald Small; and her dear sister-in-law, Wendy Cole, whose recent passing was deeply felt.

Shirley loved Wendy like a sister, and their close bond remained one of the most meaningful relationships in her life. Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her beautiful gardens, the warmth of her kitchen, and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she created.

A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 16 Dow Farm Lane, Middlebury, Vt., Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of McClure Miller Respite House for the exceptional care, dignity, and kindness they provided during Shirley’s final days. ◊