BARARA KELLEY PERKINS, age 81, a resident of Tyler, Texas, peacefully yielded her valiant spirit into the arms of The Lord on Saturday, July 18, 2015, while being cared for by a friend and family. She may have lost her battle with cancer, but she won an eternity in Heaven with her husband, Richard Lynn Perkins. She will always be remembered as a strong and courageous, loving wife, mother, and grandmother by her children, Melanie Lynette Perkins and husband Bruce Erickson, Shawn Fitzgerald Perkins and wife Hoa Perkins, Tara Perkins Thomas and husband Trent Thomas, and her only grandchild, Amanda Lynn Perkins. Barbara was born on March 17, 1934 in Bunkie, Louisiana to Herman L. "Pop" Kelley Sr. and Lizzie Catherine Hollis Kelley. She married her lifelong love, Richard Lynn Perkins on January 28, 1962. They spent 36 love filled years together and raised three children in Irving, Texas. Richard graduated from Texas A&M in 1956 and their daughter, Melanie, followed in her fathers footsteps 30 years later by graduating from Texas A&M in 1986. Tara shared her mothers thirst for knowledge and has dedicated her life to teaching. Ever the proud grandmother, Barbara never tired of hearing about her granddaughter, Amandas, play by play soccer game narratives. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Richard Lynn Perkins; parents, Herman L. "Pop" Kelley, Sr. and Lizzie Catherine Hollis Kelley; her brother, Herman L. Kelley Jr; and her nephew, Clay D. Kelley. Barbara loved life and was known for her generosity and warm personality. She never met a stranger and always helped anyone in need. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Brenda Holland, a true friend to the very end. A Catholic graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Channing Cemetery in Channing, Texas. Arrangements by Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway in Irving.