Joyce M. Perkins, 77, died at home with her family on Sunday morning, March 2, 2025.

She was born July 18, 1947, in Lebanon, NH a daughter of Lawrence and Hilda (Burnham) Smith. Joyce grew up in White River Jct. and graduated from Hartford High School Class of 1965. She enlisted in the US Army right out of high school where she served as a medical corpsman at Ft. MacArthur in Los Angeles, CA. After returning from her military service, she was married to Bill Perkins and they began their family. Joyce ran a daycare from home, so she was able to be with her children. While working and caring for her family, Joyce put herself through college and graduate school, receiving her master's degree in social work from Springfield College. She worked for many years as a licensed social worker, first at Probation and Parole and later at Clara Martin before beginning her own practice.

Joyce was a talented seamstress making many clothes for herself and her family. She also enjoyed knitting, crafting and loved attending craft shows throughout the area.

She was an active member of the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ, working on many church events and serving on several committees over the years. She was also active on the Hartford Alumni Committee.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Sonya Griswold and a brother, Kenneth Smith.

She leaves her husband of 57 years, Bill Perkins of White River Jct.; daughters, Michelle Perkins of White River Jct., Wendy Horlick (Mark) of Manchester, NH, Melissa Hunt of White River Jct.; a son, Fred Perkins, Jr. (Amy) of Canaan, NH; grandchildren, Heather, Brittany, Justin, David Jr., Gabriel, Alexis, Tony and Elli as well as five great-grandchildren and another on the way; brothers, John Smith of Vershire, VT, Kelvin and Larry Smith both of White River Jct. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., Thursday, March 6th from 1-3 and 5-7PM. A memorial service will be held at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ on Friday, March 7th at 11AM with a reception to follow. Please wear colorful clothing in celebration of Joyce's life.