A TIME TO BE BORN

Audrey Elizabeth Perkins, a beloved woman of faith, community servant, accomplished beautician and matriarch of her family entered eternal rest August 19, 2026 at the remarkable age of 97. Audrey, born on July 28, 1929, in Louisa, Virginia, to Frank and Ella Scott, was raised in a large close-knit family alongside eight siblings; Ruth, Walter, Theola, Pauline, Kathleen, Arnell, Calvin and Leona. Audrey loved the Lord and was a devoted member of the Galilee Baptist Church. She served faithfully in numerous roles, with the Senior Choir ministry holding an especially dear place in her heart.

THE LIFE SHE BUILT

Audrey graduated from Louisa County Training School. She knew at an early age that she wanted to be a business owner and set a solid example for her family. Audrey married her husband Charles D. Perkins in June 1948,  together they built a family, welcoming five children. Family became the greatest joy and defining purpose of Audrey's life. She was a woman who believed family should remain connected—not only in name, but in presence. Audrey loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her family and closest friends. Her home was central to backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and special celebrations.

In June 1963, she received her diploma from the Carver Inn School of Beauty Culture in Charlottesville, Virginia, enabling her to become a Virginia State Board certified Cosmetologist.  Immediately upon being licensed she opened Dray's Petite Beauty Salon which she operated for 63 years.  Working from home allowed Audrey to combine her passions; taking care of her family and making people beautiful.

Audrey believed deeply in her community. She supported voter participation, volunteered for the Heart Fund and American Cancer Society, supported various civic and charitable organizations, was a longtime member of the Eastern Star and lifetime member of the NAACP.

Audrey enjoyed walking. Four to five mile walks were a daily commitment into her early eighties. She spent a lifetime nurturing things: flowers, friendships, family relationships, faith, community, and generations of people who found comfort in her presence.

A TIME TO WEEP AND A TIME TO MOURN

She leaves to cherish her memory her two loving daughters, Gloria Scott of Louisa, Virginia, and Lorie Smith (Necota) of Greensboro, North Carolina; grandchildren Mimi (Scottie), Monique, Wendy (Carlus), Michael (Candice), Kelsey, Kamen (Ayana), Carlie, and Carter; great-grandchildren Emerald, Bryan (Taylor), Hunter, Carlus, Rylie,  Bransen, Lillian, Teagan, Lincoln, Skye, Elowyn, and Archer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, extended family members, longtime clients, neighbors, and dear friends whose lives were made richer because Audrey was part of them.

Audrey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles D. Perkins; three children, Gary D. Perkins, Beulah Nelson, and Charles F. Perkins ("Chuck"); and her daughter-in-law, Christy Perkins.