Perkins-Lopez, Linda Sue

DECATUR -- Linda Sue Perkins-Lopez was born on July 18, 1955 in St. Louis, Missouri, the 3rd of 5 children to Norma Jean Perkins and Horace Livingston, Jr. She graduated from Decatur Eisenhower High School in 1973. At the age of 7, she was baptized and became a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology in 1976 and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 1979.

In addition to being a top scholar throughout both high school and college, Linda was active in social and service settings. She was proud to be homecoming queen her senior year of high school, and she was a cheerleader throughout both high school and college. Linda was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. (Peoria Alumnae Chapter).

After finishing her studies in 1979, Linda moved to Chicago where she was a personal banker for a couple of major banks before transitioning to the telecommunications industry. Linda enjoyed a distinguished career as an Account Manager for both MCI and eventually ATT, realizing a long-held career dream. She was a top performer at ATT, receiving numerous customer service awards.

In 1999, Linda and Ricardo married after re-entering each other’s lives. Somethings are just meant to be. They moved to Merrillville, Indiana to establish a home and begin their “new” journey together.

Linda was an avid reader, known as a “chain-reader”. She also loved to travel and enjoyed sampling the cuisine of the destinations her travel took her. She loved New Orleans, but also enjoyed travels throughout the Caribbean and most recently enjoyed a European excursion to Italy and France. And as Lisa can attest to, Linda loved shopping!

A fiercely devoted mother, Linda was also loyal to family and friends. She looked forward to celebrations with family and friends.

Linda Sue Perkins-Lopez is survived by her soul mate Ricardo Lopez; her son, Mario Lee Sims, Jr.; brothers: Cornelius McGruder (nephews Brandon, Jason, Darius), Jeffrey (Sherri) Perkins (nephews: J.J. niece: Jami) and Kerwin Jones (nephew: Tony, niece: Nikki) and sister, Lisa Kay (Les) Robinson (nephew: Jackson, Mason, niece: Peyton). Family was very important to Linda. Linda was happy to re-connect with her extended brothers: Stanford G. Livingston, Mitchel Livingston, and Gregory Livingston; and sisters: Lynnette Mims, Sheila Watson, Gilda Spencer, Tamara Rubio and Stephanie Nfr.

Linda leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other family members along with close and devoted friends to cherish her memory as well. And let’s not forget “Baby Boy” Farley, her beloved dog!

Linda quietly and bravely battled with breast cancer for 15 years. Throughout her battle, she participated in numerous charitable events supporting breast cancer awareness and survivorship. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, determination and selflessness. Linda was loved by us all, and though she will be deeply missed, she will be fondly remembered.

We celebrate Linda!

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be directed to the American Cancer Society targeted for breast cancer in the name of Linda Lopez.

Services celebrating her life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church ( 530 West Mound Road, Decatur, IL) with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Burial: Graceland Cemetery, Decatur. Professional Services entrusted to Walker Funeral Service, Decatur. www.walkerfs.com

Obituary written by family members.

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