Shirley Jean (Sweatte) Perkins

Shirley Jean Sweatte Perkins, a lifelong resident of Kannapolis, born March 19, 1936, died October 22, 2021 following a 10 year battle with dementia.

She was predeceased by her parents, Bennie Monroe and Ruby Shaw Sweatte, and former husband Aaron W Perkins, Sr. She was also predeceased by her long time companion Joe Faggart, brother Bennie Gerald Sweatte, and son Terry Michael Perkins.

Survivors include a brother, John Larry Sweatte, (Brenda), and sons Dr. Aaron W Perkins, Jr., (Bernadette), of Johnson City, TN, and Jeffery M Perkins, (Kay), of Sneeds Ferry, NC. Also survived by daughter-in-law, Christine Hallman Perkins and sister in-law, Ranetta Allmon Sweatte, both of Kannapolis. Surviving grandchildren include, Micah Perkins,(Jamie), Kristi Perkins Sutton, (Adam), Grace Perkins, (Jeremy), Monica Perkins Plott, (Jonathan), Anna Perkins, (Michael), and great grandchildren, Joel Reyes, Jr., Layla Boggs and Ryan Plott. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley retired from Cannon Mills with over 45 years of service. She enjoyed visiting the coast and traveled throughout the country. She will be remembered by her love of children and animals, great sense of humor, and above all, her devotion to family.

A graveside service to honor Shirley's life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Carolina Memorial Park. Rev. Dennis Morgan will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00, prior to the service Thursday at Whitley's Funeral Home, Kannapolis.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com