Hazel Lee Perkins (née Pearson) died of complications from Alzheimer's Disease on August 24, 2017 in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 82.

Hazel was born on July 15, 1935 in Muskogee to John and Alberta Washington Pearson. In 1956  she married Alvin Gibson, and from that union two daughters were born.  She married Lewis Wade Perkins in 1963; that union produced one daughter and one son.

Hazel received an Associates degree from Connors State College and retired after more than 20 years of service with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

She had a passion for puzzles of all kinds, and she looked forward to her daily soap operas. She was famous for her homemade peanut brittle.

Hazel was an active, dedicated, and generous member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Muskogee.  She had a life-long love of music and served for many years as its organist and Sunday School/Brotherhood pianist.

Hazel is survived by her children, Sharon (Buddy) and Cindy of Muskogee, Jackie of Palm Springs, California, and Donald (Bernadine) of Scottsdale, Arizona, by her brother Donald Maple (Debra) of San Antonio, Texas; and by grandchildren Moses Givens (Cindi), Omar Givens, Kamiron Givens, Brigette Givens, and Bevra Merritt (Jay); as well as by eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Lewis Wade Perkins, her sister Inez Johnson, her daughter Alva Gibson, and her parents.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Springs Muskogee and the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for their care during Hazel's final illness.

A Home Going Service is scheduled Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 902 Rutherford, Muskogee, OK; with Rev. David Ragsdale, Jr., eulogizing.  Interment will follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  The casket will remain closed at the service.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Homes.