Obituary of Clara L. Perkins

Clara Louise Perkins, 78, passed away peacefully in her home on January 21, 2015. Clara and her family lived at 11212 Oil Creek Road Titusville, PA near Grand Valley. Born July 20, 1936 in Blawnox, she was the daughter of Russell Cole “Skinny” and Bernice Irene Mays Snyder, who preceded her in death. She grew up in the Kennerdell area. Clara was also preceded in death by her brother Garrett Phillip “Gary” Snyder of Rockland, PA on June 28, 1985, infant sister Rose Ann Snyder on January 29, 1938, and sister-in-law Betty Carolyn Drake Mays on September 17, 1987. She graduated valedictorian of her class in 1954 from Emlenton High School. After graduation from high school, Clara worked as a bookkeeper at Kresge’s in Oil City (now known as K-Mart) where she met her future husband, John Perkins, then working at the Brown’s Boot Box. She also served as Secretary for Eldred Township, and was a Girl Scout Leader in Grand Valley, PA. She was an active member of the Midway Alliance Church 6330 Oil Creek Rd, Spartansburg, PA 16434. Clara is survived by her husband of 58 ½ years, John V Perkins of Titusville. They were married July 20, 1956 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City. Also surviving are son James E. Perkins, of Titusville; daughter Julia A. Beers of Pleasantville; daughter Mary L. Terwilliger and husband Charles R. of Titusville; son Michael A. Perkins and wife Lisa of Woodbridge, VA; son Andrew Jay Perkins and wife Barbara of Travelers Rest, SC; son Howard J. Perkins of Union City; and daughter Karen D. Perkins of Titusville. She is also survived by sister Emma Irene Stuck and husband Bertram “Bert” of Greenville, PA; brother Graydon “John” Snyder and wife Eleanora Hunt Snyder of Cochranton, PA; and brother James Laverne Mays of Lyerly, GA, as well as, sister-in-law Phyllis McDaniel Snyder of Rockland, PA. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Clara was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family who will sadly miss her. In addition to raising her family, she was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as being a life-long fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates who recalls fondly the Bill Mazeroski homerun of the 1960 World Series. She was also known for her homemade hot rolls, bread, and pies made from scratch recipes handed down from her grandmother. Friends will be received at the Midway Alliance Church after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24th. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon with the Rev. Eric Swartzbaugh, officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Titusville, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Benson Memorial Library in Titusville, PA. The Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville PA is in charge of arrangements. If you wish to leave a condolence for the family, go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com