Jane Del Vero Perkins' Obituary
The original "COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER" left us peacefully on Sunday August 27th at the age of 99.
Jane was born in Willard, West Virginia, the 6th of 10 children born to Francesco and Josephine Del Vero.
Her father and mother had immigrated to the United States from Italy and settled in a holler in West Virginia. Jane told tales of her idyllic years, roaming the green hills, picking blackberries and riding in coal carts. Her adventurous spirit never left her.
After graduation from high school in West Virginia, she followed her siblings to Detroit, Michigan where she landed a job at Kaiser-Frazer Company as a secretary. Her first few years were spent making products for the War effort. Eventually, the war ended, and the company produced automobiles for a car-crazed nation.
During this time, she saw a lanky, tall man at the water cooler who she thought looked like the actor, John Wayne. On a whim, she said "Hello John." He turned, looking surprised and said, "How did you know my
name?" Little did she know, she was looking at the love of her life, John Henry Perkins. John and Jane married in 1947. They had 3 children they fondly called "The 3 D's": David, Dawn, and Denice. Their life was full of family get togethers: she had nine siblings, he was one of eight, little league baseball, house parties and cooking.
Eventually, they retired and moved to Homosassa, Florida. The enjoyed a leisurely retirement of golf, square dancing, and being the ultimate Nana and Papa to their 4 beloved grandchildren, Benjamin, David, Katie and Patsy.
Jane led her life with passion and conviction. She was an avid supporter of a women's right to choose and a lifelong democrat who NEVER missed the opportunity to vote.
Jane is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Denice Perkins (Michael Detroit), Dawn Goldman (Gary Goldman); grandchildren, Benjamin Chiszar, David Goldman (husband Taylor Wirth), Catherine Goldman and Patricia Detroit.
Jane is predeceased by 8 of her siblings, leaving only her sister, Frances. She was also predeceased by her beloved son, David, and her husband, John.
Her numerous nieces and nephews will miss her and remember her fondly.
She lived a life well-lived, and she will be remembered for dancing well into her mid-90's, her beautiful black hair, her mostaccioli and her chocolate cake! We are grateful to have had her in our lives and on this planet for 99 exceptional years.
Her daughters are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. There will be no memorial service at this time, just an intimate family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Playhouse on the Square, c/o Michael Detroit, 66 South Cooper Street, Memphis TN 38104
Take her home country roads!
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