Ossie Lawrence Perkins
April 5, 1936 – October 18, 2024
There are people in life who leave a lasting impression, like a beautiful bell ringing out, strong and clear, with a melody that lingers long after the sound fades. My grandmother, Ossie Perkins Lawrence, was that kind of person. Born on April 5, 1936, in Kings Mountain, NC, to the late Plato and Christine Perkins, she lived a life marked by unwavering faith, deep devotion to her family, and a quiet strength that never wavered. She passed into eternal rest on October 18, 2024, at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC, but her legacy of love continues to ring in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Ossie was a woman who did not suffer foolishness. Trust me, if you ever stepped out of line, she’d let you know in no uncertain terms. But she had a way of balancing her firm stance with a deep and abiding love. She was the one who made sure every single person in the family got a birthday card—like clockwork. Every year, without fail, a card from her would show up in your mailbox. Even in the smallest gestures, her love was steady and unwavering.
One of my favorite memories of her involved something as simple as soap. She had these decorative soaps that were definitely not meant for use. Naturally, I made the mistake of using them once, and she was not happy about it. She didn’t let me forget it either! And then there was the time she tried to convince me that I needed to gamble more—yes, my grandmother! She was adamant that I visit the new casino and take more risks in life. It’s funny because, for someone who was so grounded, she believed in taking those kinds of chances. I guess she just knew how to keep life interesting.
Her macaroni and cheese—oh man, it was unmatched. People always talk about how no one can make it quite like their grandmother, but in Ossie’s case, it was the absolute truth. That recipe is legendary in our family.
But what really set Ossie apart was her heart. She wasn’t just a devoted member of her church—first White Oak Grove Baptist in Greensboro and later Wake Baptist Grove in Garner—she was the heartbeat of our family. The love she poured into all of us was as steady as her faith. She raised her children, her grandchildren, and even took in Ajeenah Gayhardt as her own daughter. For her, family wasn’t just about blood—it was about who you loved, and she loved with her whole heart.
And just like the bells she collected from all over the world, Ossie’s love for her family was both unique and constant. Each bell in her collection had its own story, just like each of us. Her love for us was a melody, ringing clear and true, reminding us with every interaction how much we meant to her. Much like her bells, her love wasn’t loud or flashy—but it was deeply resonant. It stayed with you. It still stays with me.
Even now, as we face the reality of life without her, her love is still with us. It’s there in every story we tell, in every holiday, in the moments we shared together. And like a bell’s echo, her presence will continue to linger long after the initial sound has faded.
She lived a life of service—whether it was through her various clerical jobs or just being there for her family and friends. Her work ethic was solid, but her true dedication was to the people she loved. She showed me what it means to care deeply, to keep showing up for the people who matter, year after year, like those birthday cards.
So here’s to Ossie, a life that rang with love, strength, and an enduring faith. Her life was like those bells she cherished: each chime, each person, each moment carefully tended to and loved. Her love doesn’t fade. It’s still here, ringing in our hearts, guiding us forward.
We’ll miss her dearly, but we’ll carry her with us in everything we do.
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