Mr. Ernest Melvin Perkins

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 Ernest Melvin Perkins was born on December 8, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late William Perkins and Thelma Williams Perkins. Ernest spent his early years in Amite, Louisiana before moving to Compton, California at a young age. He graduated from Compton High School in 1963. Soon after, he proudly served four years in the United States Army. Following his service, Ernest returned to Amite, Louisiana, where he married the love of his life, Brenda Foster Perkins, in February 1981. Together they shared 44 years of marriage. A man of deep faith, Ernest joined McMichael AME Church upon his return to Amite and was a devoted and hardworking member. He served faithfully as a member of the Usher Board, the Choir, the Sons of Allen, and the Trustee Board. Professionally, Ernest worked for BellSouth in Los Angeles for 16 years before transferring to New Orleans, where he continued his career for another 10 years. After retirement, he remained active by working with Mark's Electric in Amite for several years. Ernest was a loyal supporter of Amite High School athletics, rarely missing a Warriors football or basketball game. He also enjoyed fellowship and competition as a member of a Thursday night bowling league in Hammond, Louisiana. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Brenda Foster Perkins; two daughters, Brandi Perkins of New Orleans, LA, and Sonia Foster of Houston, TX; three sons, Ernest (oslyn) Perkins Jr. of Los Angeles, CA, Cory Perkins of Amite, LA, and Kearstan Foster of Amite, LA; one brother, Stanley (Barbara) Perkins of Atlanta, GA; four sisters, Gwenda (Leroy) Coleman of Norwalk, CA, Martha Owens of Los Angeles, CA, Marie (Gerald) Dillon-Gray of Victorville, CA, and Verne (Thomas) Davis of Sacramento, CA; four sisters-in-law, Affie Perkins, Linda Foster, Janice Franklin, and Jeanette Finn; one brother-in-law, Shedrick (Jamie) Foster; thirteen grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters-Ella Mae, Jenice, Valerie, and Latanya-and one brother, Willie. Ernest will be remembered for his faith, his devotion to family, his unwavering support for his community, and his quiet spirit that touched all who knew him.

Mr. Ernest Melvin Perkins

December 8, 1944 - August 17, 2025