Arlene Joy Perkins
September 12, 1932 - October 9, 2018
Obituary
Arlene Joy Perkins, lifelong resident of the area, passed away at 6:30 pm on October 9th 2018,
at age 86.
She passed quickly after experiencing a heart attack and was surrounded by her loving family in
Auburn Regional Hospital, as she left us to be with the Lord. Arlene, who went by her middle
name Joy to all who knew her, was born in 1932 to her parents Clyde and Gertrude Griffin. She
had one sister, Bev Finley who lives in Modesto, CA.
When Joy was teenager she met her high school sweetheart Donald J. Perkins and they
married on February 19th 1951. They had a long and beautiful life together, and were married
for 67 years.
Joy graduated from Seattle’s Franklin High School in 1950. She went on to work at the Bon
Marche (now known as Macy’s), Albertsons, and also as a kitchen designer. Joy remained very
active in church throughout her life and was dedicated to serving her community. She was a
talented gardener, skilled painter, and sewed beautiful quilts that she often donated to charity.
Joy was a sweet, loving, and truly good hearted person who made those around her feel loved
and cared for. She will be lovingly remembered for her warm and gentle spirit, her natural gifts,
and her service to the community.
Joy leaves behind her spouse, Donald, and many other family members. Joy was a mother to
six children. After already having four children of their own, Don and Joy went on to adopt two
more children that they took in as their own, out of the kindness of their hearts. From oldest to
youngest – Patti Perkins, Vicki Burgess, Diane Fobes, Ken Perkins, David Perkins, and Kevin
Perkins. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren – Amanda Wagner, Kris Fobes, Valaree
Britton, Jasmine Perkins, Sophi Perkins, Emmett Perkins, and Caleb Perkins – and four great
grandchildren – Sarah, Keira, Ryleigh, and Piper Wagner.
Memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church on Tuesday, October 16th at 3:30
pm. Located at: 1320 Auburn Way South, Auburn, Washington 98002.
We are grateful to have had Joy’s shining light in our lives, she will be missed greatly, but we
know she is in good hands and at peace. Her memory will carry on in our hearts.