Mary Perks

Mary Sonya Stephens Perks

December 1, 1965- January 24, 2023

Mary was born with the last name of Stephens but was blessed when put into the foster care system to become a member of the Sapp Family.  Lula Mae Clifton Sapp, “Grandma Sapp or MeMa”, as most knew her, took Mary into her home in 1973, at the age of eight where she remained her entire childhood, living in Garden City, GA.

As a child, she took twirling lessons.  She attended and graduated from Tompkins High School where she was a majorette.

She attended Woodlawn Baptist Church where she is still a member today.  As a child, she spent many days being cared for at the daycare there.

Mary’s lifelong career was as a hair stylist and she was an expert at it!  When she got a customer, they were hers forever.  She was presently working at 80 West Salon in Pooler, GA.

She had an infectious smile and more energy than the Energizer Bunny!!  She loved all kids and they would gravitate towards her.

Mary was formerly married to Tony Perks of Black Creek, GA, and they had two daughters together. Kaylee Brooke Perks and Kasey Nicole Perks.  Mary was preceded in death by two uncles, Arthur “Papa Duke” and Dan Sapp.

In addition to her daughters, Mary is survived by a brother, Billy Stephens and many extended cousins of the Stephens family.  Mary, known as “Sissy” to many had two bonus sisters, Jennifer Sapp Spence (Kip) of Rincon, GA and Dian Duke Ribbens (Charlie) of Rincon, GA; nieces, Christie Gurley Dossey (Beau), Kayla Spence Stille (Brandon), Shelby Spence Young (Gerald),and Danielle Smith; nephews, Trae Gurley (Jessica Pope)and Kip Spence, Jr. (Stacey);aunt, Frances Duke; cousin, Rita Wiggins and multiple great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11 A.M. Monday, January 30, 2023 at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 407 Talmadge Avenue, Garden City, GA 31408 with Pastor Matt Travis officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M until the time of the service.

To sign the online register, please visit www.flanderspowellfuneralhome.com.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Mary Sonya Stephens Perks.