Robert Perkins

Our beloved Robert Lee Perkins, affectionately known as Bobby or Big Poppa, was born February 13, 1956 in Chicago, IL to the union of Essie and Robert Perkins Sr. He was preceded in death by his father. 

Bobby accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He was a member of First Baptist Institutional since birth and attended with his mother until his death.  

Bobby attended Lexington Attendance Center in Lexington, MS and earned his high school diploma in 1976. In 1979 he migrated back to Chicago and pursued an education in Engineering at Kennedy King College. Later he enrolled at Dawson Tech where he obtained a certificate for Culinary Arts in 1986. 

Bobby was hired at Chicago Board of Education in 1994. He loved his career at Garrett A. Morgan dearly and is known for treating the students and staff like his own family. After dedicating over 18 years of service in the cafeteria he retired due to school closure in the early 2000s.

Bobby witty jokes and endless care and affection, especially for his mother and family, will forever be missed. He followed God’s request to join him in eternal life on May 7, 2020.

Robert leaves to treasure his memories: a loving and devoted mother Essie L. Perkins-Mitchell; four children- Robert “Dontaye” Perkins Jr. (Tammy), Okima Andrews (Tyrell), Dorshan Grier (Jay) and Katie Grier (Ramone); 26 grandchildren whom he loved dearly and treated them all the same; two siblings- Adlai Hampton and Nathan Bryant; one aunt- Lillie; his everlasting friends Gail, Marla and Yolanda; a host of stepchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church members and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Perkins, please visit our floral store.