Vallorie Perkins was born in Evanston on July 16, 1947. She was the first of four daughters born to the late Lucius Terry Norris and Daisy Edith Norris.
She was educated in the Evanston School System. In 1973 she graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Chicago, IL.
Vallorie was a “jack of all trades and master of them all.” Vallorie worked as a nurse at Evanston and Skokie Valley Hospitals. She then later worked as a private duty nurse and in various nursing homes in the North Shore area. At age 8, Vallorie began to sew. This lead to her working at Vogue Fabrics in Evanston and Calico Corners in Wilmette. Vallorie then became a Day Care Provider servicing many area children. However, Vallorie’s most cherished occupation was that of business owner of “Chris and Danie’s Granny” in which she made clothing, greeting cards, jewelry, crafts and wedding decorations.
In addition to all the occupations Vallorie held, she was a true volunteer (like her mother). Vallorie received a Certificate of Appreciation from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in 2005 for her outstanding volunteer work. She also served for eleven years as a member of Southeast Evanston Parents Association.
Vallorie was a faithful servant unto the Lord and a devoted member to her church. Vallorie loved the Lord and everyone that knew Vallorie knew of her unwavering faith.
Throughout Vallorie’s illness, she was an example of how the faith of a mustard seed can carry you through any circumstance.
Vallorie was raised in Springfield Missionary Baptist Church and baptized in June of 1967. She was active in the church participating in the choir and the young peoples activities. In later years she volunteered for the Soup Kitchen and started the Nursery in the church. On August 6, 2006, Vallorie became a member of Oasis Christian Ministries International and attended faithfully, as long as her health permitted.
In 1964 Vallorie united in holy matrimony to Lenard Payne Perkins. Through this union her pride and joy Leonard Payne Perkins Jr. was born. When Leonard Jr. married Leslie Buggs, Vallorie never thought of Leslie as a daughter-in-law. Vallorie’s love for Leslie (her daughter) was as strong as her love for her son.
Preceding Vallorie in death, one son Theodore Arkail Norris.
Not only did Vallorie faithfully serve the Lord in church, she cherished her family and did everything she could to support her family members. Friends also received support and inspiration from Vallorie. While sick, visitors would come to encourage Vallorie and would leave her room being encouraged and uplifted instead.
Vallorie quietly slipped away leaving behind a beautiful life of commitment to and love for family and friends on September 7, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL. She leaves to celebrate her Home going, her beloved son Leonard (Leslie) of Evanston, IL; Her cherished grandchildren Danielle and Christopher Perkins. Her loving mother Daisy Hayes of Skokie, IL. Her three devoted sisters Viola Pearson of Evanston, IL; Min. Lucia Norris of Evanston, IL; and Holly Del Sol of Savannah, GA. Three brothers, Finton Gunther of Gurnee, IL; Ronald Hayes (Krystal) of Fort Wayne, IN; and Terry Norris of Evanston, IL. A very special aunt, Dorothy Harris of Skokie, IL. A host of treasured aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Also three special friends Alvin Taylor, Deacon Madeline Gentiles and Denise Buggs.
She is much loved and will always be remembered by all her friends and family.