The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LILLIE E. PERKINS
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 28, 2022
Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with a deep sadness and immense gratitude that I stand to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to remember Mrs. Lillie E. Perkins, a New Haven institution in our education community. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Lillie was not only that kind of educator, but she was also that kind of community leader. She inspired your students and colleagues alike and will be deeply missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known her.
At the tender age of 7 Lillie knew that she was ``born to teach.'' In pursuit of this dream, she earned her bachelor's degree at Fayetteville State University before moving to Connecticut with her husband, James, and earning her master's degree from the University of Connecticut and an Administrative Sixth Year Certificate from Southern Connecticut State University. She and James raised their daughters, Tiara and Sharon, and Lillie began her thirty-six-year career with the New Haven Public School system. Lillie was an extraordinarily gifted teacher with a passion and compassion that was felt by the students in her classroom as well as kids across the community.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Lillie's invaluable contributions to young people and the community have left an indelible mark. Early in her career she recognized the need for young people to have the opportunity to express themselves in a positive way after school hours. Whether with the Dr. Martin Luther King Choir, the Helene Grant School Choir, or the remarkable Unity Boys Choir, she found ways for these young people from across Greater New Haven to come together and achieve extraordinary accomplishments for which they can be very proud. I have had the opportunity to hear the angelic voices of the Unity Boys Choir and have seen first-hand the light in their eyes that comes with the excitement and adoration of the crowds they are entertaining, Lillie touched their lives in a very special way--not only allowing them to share their musical talents with others but teaching them the importance of and satisfaction in giving back to the community.
Lillie's engagement in the community also extended beyond her service to the school system. She volunteered her time and energies to a number of other programs community initiatives including the Mayor's Youth Service Program, the Toys/Teas/Toys Closets program at Yale Children's Hospital, the 1995 Special Olympic World Garnes in Connecticut, the Kids Protection Network Program, Christian Community Action's Food program, and the New Haven Board of Young Adult Police Commissioners. Lillie was also an active member of Bible Gospel Church as well as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and served as a community assistant for senior citizens. The myriad of awards and commendations she received over the lifetime are a testament to the difference she made in the community and the lives of others.
With her passing, New Haven has lost a much cherished and invaluable member of our community. Lillie E. Perkins left an indelible mark, not only on the community she called home but on the hearts of the thousands whose lives she touched. It is my honor to rise today to pay tribute to the life of Lillie E. Perkins and extend my deepest condolences to her daughters, Tiara and Sharon, as well as her extended network of family, friends, and colleagues. As much as she will be missed, it is heartening to know that the legacy of service and compassion she leaves will continue to inspire generations to come.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 36
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