Della Dobbins Ward Perkins passed away on Oct. 7, 2017, on her 96th birthday, at Southland Nursing Home in Marion.

Della was preceded in death by her husbands, T.W. Ward and Richard Wayne Perkins; her parents, Della Harrison Dobbins and Charles Walter Dobbins; and brothers, Henry Grady Dobbins, J.C. Dobbins and Johnny Dobbins.

She is survived by her niece, Della Dobbins Scott, Clemmons, North Carolina; four great-nieces and two great-nephews; daughters, Judi P. Williams (Mike) and Jane P. Nichols; grandchildren, Kelly Cole (Kim), Bryan Cole (Mickie), Preston Nichols (Wendy) and Lindsey Bushey (Mike); great-grandchildren, Tirey Cole (Lindsay), Hannah Cole, Mary Margaret and Camille Nichols.

Della was a member of First United Methodist Church for many years and was employed at Marion Military Institute for 23 years as secretary to the Commandant.

Her hobby was crocheting gifts for friends, family, newlyweds and babies. She had directed 55 local weddings.

Visitation will be at Marion United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. The funeral will be at noon with pastor James I. Davis officiating and burial following at Marion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Anderson, Mike Williams, Kelly Cole, Bryan Cole, Preston Nichols and Tirey Cole. Honorary pallbearers will be Southland Nursing Home staff, Comfort Care nurses Hilary McDowell and Taylor Draper and special family friends, Annie Billingsley and Eddie Benjamin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marion United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.