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ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS DESIGNATING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF DIXWELL AVENUE AND HENRY STREET AS “WILHELMINA AND JAMES A. PERKINS CORNER” IN PERPETUITY, FOR THEIR LOVE, COMMITMENT, GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS AND SERVICE TO PEOPLE IN THE DIXWELL NEIGHBORHOOD.
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WHEREAS: James A. Perkins, born on July 7, 1928, in Cuthbert, Georgia, was the beloved son of Johnnie Mae West-Ellis, a school teacher, and Alex “Buddy” Perkins, a funeral director and mortician; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Perkins served honorably in the Korean War, defending his country with courage and dignity before pursuing his higher education at Morehouse College and later at the Atlanta School of Embalming; and
WHEREAS: in 1963, Mr. Perkins founded Perkins Funeral Home, through which he ministered to countless New Haven families in their time of grief, providing comfort, compassion, and dignity to all who entered its doors; and
WHEREAS: Wilhelmina V. Hilton Perkins, a licensed funeral director, worked alongside her husband in the operation of Perkins Funeral Home, providing professional care and steadfast support that strengthened the institution’s reputation for excellence and service to New Haven families; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Perkins distinguished himself not only as a business owner but also as a dedicated community leader, a proud member of the International Free and Accepted Masons, and a man who built bridges of trust and fellowship across neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Perkins lived as a devoted husband and father, raising two daughters, Alexis W. Perkins and Sharon Perkins Boyd, and nurturing a legacy carried forward by his grandchildren Mychal Boyd, Deveron A. McLaughlin, Maceo Troy Streater, and great-granddaughter Denaja M. McLaughlin; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Perkins was preceded in death by his wife, Wilhelmina V. Hilton Perkins-herself a licensed funeral director-who was his faithful partner in life, love, and community service, and who stood beside him throughout his journey as they together built a family rooted in faith, dignity, and care for others; and
WHEREAS: the contributions of both Wilhelmina and James A. Perkins extend far beyond their family, as their presence strengthened the fabric of New Haven, providing leadership, fellowship, and a legacy of service that remains an inspiration; and
WHEREAS: the Perkins family has long been a pillar of the New Haven community, embodying the values of service, resilience, and compassion, and has touched countless lives through their example; and
WHEREAS: it is both fitting and proper that the City of New Haven honor Wilhelmina and James A. Perkins for their lifelong commitment to family, community, and faith by dedicating a public corner in their name;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE ORDERED by the New Haven Board of Alders that in honor of their many contributions and great services to the Dixwell neighborhood and citywide, the corner of Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street is designated as “Wilhelmina and James A. Perkins Corner” in perpetuity, making their legacy in New Haven stand as an official and permanent reminder of integrity, love, generosity, and dignity.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking is hereby directed and authorized to implement this Order.
BE IT EVEN FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order is hereby forwarded to the City/Town Clerk.