Barbara Payne Perkins

Mrs. Barbara Payne Perkins, age 83, of Zebulon, formerly of Griffin, passed away February 18, 2024.  Mrs. Perkins grew up in the Kincaid Community of Griffin, daughter of the late Albert V. Payne and Geneva Faye Smith Payne. She graduated from Griffin High School in 1958 and then went to cosmetology school. She worked as a secretary for RBM Motors in Griffin for 25 years and then as a Sales Associate at Atlanta Tees in Griffin where she retired.  

As a child, Mrs. Perkins was very athletic and loved sports. At the time, females did not play on teams, so as an adult in the 1970s, she was instrumental in creating the first women’s softball league and later in the 80s, she started and coached the first girls’ softball team in Griffin. She also coached girls’ basketball.  She excelled at golf and played both the accordion and guitar.  Mrs. Perkins enjoyed traveling, photography, greyhound racing, riding on country roads, and loved bingo.  She was an excellent cook and would often drive long distances seeking out restaurants with good food. She was a member of Zebulon First Baptist Church.  

 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie H. Perkins.

 

She is survived by her children: Warren H. Perkins of Griffin and Angela Atkins (Steve) of Tacoma, WA; grandchildren: Amy Lawrence (Corey), Melissa Bunn, and Jordan Atkins; great-grandchildren: Graycen, Allie, Carleigh and Camden; sister: Brenda P. Garner of Griffin; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin.

 

Friends may visit the family on Friday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the funeral home.