Edward Sylvester Perkins Jr., 65

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Edward Sylvester Perkins Jr., of Chestertown, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, at Chester River Hospital Center, Chestertown. He was 65.

Mr. Perkins was the son of the late Edward Sylvester "Perk" Sr. and Anna Elizabeth (Hackett) Perkins.

He attended and graduated from Henry Highland Garnett School, and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ann Briscoe, on Jan. 31, 1964.

Helping support his family, Mr. Perkins' employment history started at the tender age of 10, working in Bertha Patrick's store, who was his godmother.

He later worked for Vita Foods, Chestertown, for five years, and was employed by the Chrysler Corp. in Delaware for 35 years.

Mr. Perkins loved cooking, working, listening to gospel music and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Perkins; two daughters, Donnette Perkins (David) Commodore and Areatha Michelle Perkins, all of Chestertown; a son, Edward Sylvester Perkins III of Dover; four grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Martha Henry; three brothers, George A. Perkins, James A. Perkins and Clarence E. Perkins, all of Delaware; three sisters, Rosie Perkins Herbert and Olivia Holland, both of Delaware, and Odessa Christy of Elkton; four sisters-in-law; and three aunts and three uncles.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Chester River Hospital Center and all of Mr. Perkins' steadfast friends who offered their care and encouragement.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Asbury United Methodist Church, Chestertown, where friends may call two hours prior.

Friends may also call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Kenneth Walley Funeral Service, Chestertown.