REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

The Reverend Namon Perkins, Jr., the son of the late Namon (Bink) Sr., and Anna King Perkins was born on September 5, 1948. He grew up in Russellville, South Carolina.  He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital, Charleston, SC.

Namon, also known as Brother or Buck, attended Berkeley County schools and graduated from Russellville High School in 1966. Afterwards, he served in the United States Army. He received many awards including: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Meritorious Unit Citation before being honorably discharged in 1970.

Namon loved God, God's people and he had a heart for ministry and service. At an early age, he was confirmed and became a full communicant member at Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church. He served Redeemer in many capacities including: Senior High Sunday School teacher, Lay Reader and the best Bible Quiz Coach (he always told his students that it was not about winning and that no one would ever be able to take away the knowledge that they gained).

He was a proud 1982 graduate of Cummings Seminary. He earned his Bachelor's degree from South Carolina State University. In 2002, he was awarded the Master of Divinity degree from Cummins Seminary. He began his formal ministry at Messiah RE Church in Pineville, under the leadership of his uncle, the late Rev. John A. Perkins. His 40 plus years of ministry also included pastoring at Atonement and Bethlehem (at the same time) and 29 plus years at Mt. Olivet. To God be the Glory for the great things he worked through this man of God. He faithfully served the Missionary Jurisdiction, the CA&C Synod at the Diocese of the Southeast faithfully and with his whole heart. He was a member of the Board of Trustee, Member of the Intercessory Prayer Committee, Member of the CMTS Alumni Association and Diocesan Lead Secretary. He attended Diocesan and General Council functions and believed that we should earnestly pray to God for directions in all matters of the church.

Namon loved so deeply. On June 20, 1970, he married the love of his life, Alethia Mae Pinckney. They celebrated 51 years of marriage just two weeks ago. To see them look at each other or hear them call the name of the other; you would see and hear love. This union was blessed with two beautiful daughters and many surrogate children.

In 1975, Namon was injured at work at Midas Muffler. The accident resulted in him being paralyzed. Namon never used his injury or paralysis as an excuse to shun away from work or ministry. We witnessed him ministering using his braces, a manual wheel chair and his electric on that seem to go 100 mph. He was our Moses, our Joshua and we will forever love him and remember his teaching and preaching. He was a shining example of someone being on the battlefield; of one who screamed loudly, "here am I, Lord, send me." Faithful unto death sums up the life of Namon Perkins, Jr.

Namon was preceded in death by his parents, his beautiful daughter, Irish Camiel and many others he loved.

Those left to cherish precious memories and live out the legacy include: his faithful, devoted and loving wife, Alethia Mae Pinckney Perkins; his devoted and loving daughter, Monica M. Perkins; the apples of his eyes, his three grandchildren who will forever love their Popa: Kadajiah, Priece and Prientice; his siblings, Richardeen Scott, Zelma (Larry) Adams, Thelma Kinlaw and Joseph E. Perkins; sisters and brothers-in-law, Robert (Helen) Pinckney, Willis (Esther) Pinckney, Cynthia Pinckney and Johnetta Perkins; two special sisters, Sadie F. Gadsden and Mildred B. Rembert; surrogate children, Darryl L. Lee, Tory J. Liferidge, Kevin and Vincent Rollison, Lamont Smalls, Nicole Dunmeyer, Bridget Heyward, Christian and Charika Heyward; godchildren, Achia Butler, Peter Butler, Jr. Bryan King, Jammie Pinckney, Patdena Smalls, Alesa Sullivan and Jaason White; two special nieces: Alvalene G. Rogers and Almena G. Prioleau; nieces and nephews; cousins; two close friends, Louis Brown and Hezekiah King; friends, classmates, the Mt. Olivet Church Family, the Diocese of the Southeast; acquaintances and the many persons who have been touched by his life.