Georgia Helen Perkins was born to Rebecca (Reba) Vanelle Poland and George Harrison Poland in Hiawatha Utah, September 19, 1941.

Georgia was the third child of 7 and spent much of her formative years in Granger Utah. Born before vaccines were available, she suffered many childhood diseases such as measles, rheumatic fever, and polio, spending much time in the hospital. Recovering from polio meant she had to learn to walk a second time. Georgia enjoyed gardening with Mom and fishing and hunting with Dad as well as learning from and encouraging her siblings.

Georgia studied at both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. While at BYU, she joined some friends on a travel abroad experience where she had the opportunity to tour Europe. Georgia completed her University studies and received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah.

Georgia married Charles (Vic) Perkins, July 13 1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the Salt Lake temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Together they had five children (Chuck, Dawna, Kathy, Becky, and Joe) while residing in various cities in North Idaho and in Utah.

While she had several vocational experiences (e.g. Coeur d’Alene Press) and was highly regarded by her coworkers, Georgia found most rewarding the work involved in being a mother. She dedicated every skill and available moment she had to the development of her children and encouragement of friends. She was always looking for new experiences to share with her kids.

Georgia enjoyed gardening and art and loved to read and share the outdoors with her children. She quilted and led children’s groups such as Cub Scouts. She also taught gospel lessons to children in Primary and faithfully went out of her way (sometimes a very long way) to visit her friends letting them know they were loved. She taught her kids to play card games such as Rummy. “You are amazing,” she would often say. As well as “Do it to it!”

When Georgia was 62, she had a stroke which paralyzed the left side of her body. This was the third time in her life she had to learn to stand and balance. In subsequent years, that point in time became a point of reference she used to distinguish what she explained were two phases in her life, one with all abilities, and one with fewer. Having a wheelchair enabled her mobility and made a significant impact in her outlook. She enjoyed giving her grandchildren and children at church rides on the back of her wheelchair. She liked to go fast!

In December of 2018, Georgia and Vic’s second child, Dawna Perkins, fought the good fight with cancer and finished this life leaving a husband (Cliff Odle) and two children.

In her last years, Georgia became a source of hope and inspiration to her fellow residents at Valley Vista Care center in Saint Maries Idaho. They became family. Georgia would hold people’s hands, remind people of mealtimes, and lead a lost friend back to her room. Everyone there knows that she is tough to beat at games like Sorry and Bingo, and her favorite hymn is Amazing Grace.

Georgia’s siblings that passed on before her are Ralph Poland (married to Carolyn) and Janice Spencer (married to Gary). Her surviving siblings are Nadine McCafferty (married to W. Patrick), Barbara Beatty (married to Jim), Becky Larsen (married to Gary) and Jim Poland (married to Betty).

Georgia is survived by her husband, Vic, and their 4 children: Charles (Chuck) Perkins (married to Melanie), Kathy Anderson (married to David), Becky Adams (married to Aryn), and Joseph Perkins. Grandchildren are Jinx Perkins, Georgia Odle-Perkins, Clifford Odle-Perkins, Jared Jenkins, Gregory Anderson, Rebecca Anderson, Serendipidy Adams, and Dean Adams.

As Georgia’s family, we are sad to see her go, but glad she can be reunited with Dawna, Reba and George, Ralph, Janice and all who loved her who passed on before.

You are amazing!