Willie Bell Perkins

Willie Bell Perkins of Somerset, NJ died February 1, 2025. Services were held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset Street, Somerset. Willie Bell Perkins was born in Pactolus, NC on December 29, 1934. She was the only daughter of Nora Bell Moore and Willie Daniels. While in North Carolina she met and married Willie “Cool Cat” Perkins, with whom she shared a life for 52 years. From this union, they had four children: one son and three daughters. Willie Bell accepted Christ at a young age and later rededicated her life to Christ in 2000, becoming a member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. Shortly after her marriage, they moved from Pactolus NC to New Jersey. Upon moving to New Jersey, Willie Bell was employed as a domestic worker, helping to clean other people’s homes. Her passion for cooking soon made her realize that she could make a living by bringing joy to others with her delicious food. She started her career at Rutger’s University as a cook in the frat house. Making meals for the fraternities on campus. Later, she began working at Franklin Convalescence Center as the head cook, where she retired in 1999. To her family, she was affectionately known as Mommy, Willabell, Nana or Pretty Lady, because she was always dressed to the nines. Aside from cooking, shopping was her second favorite love. Her grandchildren will remember her having two TVs in her bedroom: one on HSN and the other on QVC, because she couldn’t miss a sale. Christmas was her favorite time of year, because it involved her three favorite things: cooking, shopping and family. Her home in Somerset had five generations living under one roof at one point Which was something that she took pride in. When she finally fully retired, she wanted to keep he home in the family and gave her granddaughter the gift of homeownership. Her family will always remember her generosity. Anyone who met her always talked about her sweet and giving spirit. She will be greatly missed by so many. Willie Bell’s memory will be cherished by daughter-in-love, Mary Perkins (deceased Jimmie), New Brunswick, NJ; her 3 daughters: Peggy Porter (David) Riverview, FL; Octavia Sanders (Jerry) Somerset, NJ; and Noreta Perkins (deceased Steve) Kendall Park, NJ; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of cousins

Willie Bell Perkins

December 29, 1934 - February 1, 2025