Alta Dora Hill Perkins (Class of 1943) Obituary

Alta Dora Hill Perkins

San Angelo – Alta Dora Hill Perkins, 88, a gentle and kind soul with a heart of gold, passed from this life into God’s waiting arms on Friday, August 29, 2014. She had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Dora was born August 7, 1926 in Del Rio, Texas to Burness and Carnell Hill. She was the second youngest of seven brothers and sisters. Being from such a large family, reunions were always fun and well-attended events. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend that will be missed by many.

Dora grew up in Del Rio and graduated from Del Rio High School. She worked at Laughlin Air Force Base with her best friend and sister. They had the time of their lives meeting people from all over the U.S. After World War II, she married her lifelong partner, Frank S. Perkins, on January 1, 1947, in the Del Rio Presbyterian Church. They were married 67 years. With his job as a DPS trooper, they lived in Beeville and Carrizo Springs. After 2 years, they were transferred to San Angelo in 1950. San Angelo has been home for 64 years.
 
After their daughter started school, Dora worked for Newsfoto Publishing Company and later 29 ½ years at General Telephone (Verizon). While there, she made some lifelong friends. Dora’s hobby was her family and her life revolved around taking care of them. She was a listening ear to her daughter and her daughter’s friends. Dora had a vibrant personality and comforting smile. She also had a funny little sense of humor. Because of these wonderful traits, everyone felt welcomed at any time. In her retirement years, she enjoyed time with her grandson, Taylor. She would be at all the school plays, musicals and sport events and definitely was his biggest fan and cheerleader.
 
A Baptist by faith, Dora raised her daughter in a gentle and loving way. She was fun-loving and thoughtful to her family and friends.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Burness and Carnell Hill; brothers, Maynard, T.L., Jack and Garland Hill and sister, Enid Tidwell, all of Del Rio.
 
She is survived by her husband, Frank Perkins; daughter, Tana Cox and husband Jerry of Midland; grandson, Taylor Cox of Midland; sister, Wanda Anderson and husband Kemp of Ridgewood, New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.
 
The family extends their appreciation to Hospice of San Angelo for their care and compassion and to Dr. Raj Cheruku for his guidance in this difficult time.
 
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, September 5th at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 435 W. Beauregard Avenue, San Angelo, Texas. Graveside service will be 10:30 AM Saturday, September 6th at Lawnhaven Memorial Park.
 
Those wishing to send memorials may do so to West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Road, San Angelo, Texas 76904 or to a charity of choice in her name. Family and friends may express condolences and sign the online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.