Mrs. Wheatie L. Perkins, in her 74th season of life, moved "over in Glory" on Thursday morning, December 3, 2015 from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

On January 16, 1941, a beautiful little girl was born to Samuel and Lessie Baldridge. This little girl was Wheatie Lee Baldridge. She was the next to the youngest of seven children. She grew up a happy and playful girl in Braggs, Oklahoma.

Wheatie always said that education began for her before she was born. Meaning that her parents were the type of people that always figured things out and came up with solutions on their own and thus educating themselves. The origins of her fascinating and unique name stem from her independently progressive parents. Her birth name on her birth certificate is Wheate, in honor of her Paternal Grandfather. However her Mother began calling her Wheatie, and changed the spelling of her name to something more fitting a girl. It stuck and she has been Wheatie ever since.

She was four years old when she started attending Howard Chapel School with two of her sisters. They walked more than four miles to school and back. They couldn't ride the big yellow school bus, a sign of the times; however, Wheatie and her sisters resolved to enjoy the walk and use the time to recite their lessons to each other in preparation for the school day. When Wheatie was twelve years old the family moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma. In Muskogee, she attended Langston Elementary School; Sadler Jr. High School, and Manuel Training High School. She was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church, in Muskogee at an early age; and worked at Matthew's Grocery Store with her Sister Alma Jean. She also worked at St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa as a dietitian with her mother and Sister Leola Marie.

She graduated from High School on May 29, 1959 and began her college education at Langston University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1964. She taught elementary school in the Oklahoma City School system from 1966 until her retirement in 2006. During this time she received a nomination as Oklahoma City Teacher of the year. Wheatie continued working as a substitute teacher from October 2006 until July 2015.

In 1964 Wheatie married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Roy Perkins and moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She and her beloved Bobby Roy ventured into business and opened a restaurant in Guthrie Oklahoma. They enjoyed success until they closed the business because of Bobby's health. She became a member of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. She was a faithful member and proudly served on the Usher Board, until her failing health prohibited her from continuing. She always cheered for the underdog, and was a tireless champion for children. This is best exemplified by her devotion as an educator. Her career spanned 40 years in the classroom, where she touched the lives of over 1200 Oklahoma City, elementary school children.

Wheatie was a 22 year cancer survivor and enjoyed an active life, enabling her to travel, and enjoy the company of friends. She maintained a strict health regimen and one of her favorite hobbies was working out at the gym.

On December 3, 2015 her health finally failed her and the Lord called her home to rest and be free from her illness. She was preceded in death by her Husband - Bobby Roy Perkins; Mother – Lessie Viola Stephens-Baldridge; Father – Samuel Joseph Baldridge; Brother – Leon Baldridge; Sister - Sammie Lee Mandy Baldridge; Sister - Iola Baldridge; Sister - Lesther Thompson; Sister - Alma Jean Moss; Sister – Leola Marie Hughes. She is survived by her Nieces and Nephews who affectionately call her "Aunt Wheatie" Nieces: Nicole Moss, Pauline Thompson, Phyllis Thompson, Shelia Perkins, Aundre Perkins, Ramona Stanford, Jerri Chavis, Marilyn Bostic, Carrie Morris, Kimberly Robinson, Susan Robinson. Nephews: Lloyd Moss Jr., Willie Lee Green, Clarence Perkins III, Leon Perkins Jr., David Thompson, Darrel Thompson, Sylvester Thompson, Stanley Perkins. Elementary School Children of Oklahoma City, and many, many Friends.

The Hour of Remembrance for Ms. Perkins will commence on Monday December 14, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. in the most Holy sanctuary of the Macedonia Baptist Church. The Pastor, Reverend Larry H. Smith, Sr., will Preside.

Burial will follow in the Citizens Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. You may visit Ms. Perkins, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home on Sunday from 1PM until 3PM.