Matthew James Perkins, Jr. was born October 18, 1943, in Starkville, MS to Mr. Matthew James Perkins Sr. and Mrs. Corine Brewer Perkins.  He departed this life on July 13, 2024.

Matthew affectionately known as "Brett" confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Tombigbee River and joined Canaan M.B. Church.  He graduated from Norris High School in Attalla, AL and later moved to New York where he worked at West Side Y.M.C.A. in the maintenance department.  He later moved back to Columbus, MS and worked for Mayflower Moving Company part time.

Matthew lived life on his own terms.  He loved having lots of fun, good music, sports, and was a force to be reckoned with.

He is preceded in death his wife, Patricia Perkins;  by his mother, Corine Brewer Perkins Alexander, his father, his stepfather, Johnny B. Alexander, his brother, Deano James Perkins and sister, Willie Maude Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  his children, a special loving son, Evans "Joe" Harris and Marco Sparks both of Columbus, MS, Kelly Sherrod of Columbus, MS, LaTrice Brown of Columbus, SC; his sisters, Betty (Johnny) Billups, Camelia Presley, Ophelia Alexander Lee both of Columbus, MS, Joyce Alexander of Rancho Cucamonga,  CA; his brothers, Rev. Matthew (Barbara) Perkins of Chicago, IL, Tommy (Lisa) Perkins, Eddie Presley, Jeffery Alexander all of Columbus, MS, Johnny (Rosalind) Alexander of Braselton, GA, John Kennedy (Sandra) Alexander of Auburn, GA, SGT Louis (Bridgett) Alexander of Columbus, MS; 12 grandchildren; special cousins, Currie Fisher, Diane Graves, and Elaine Hungerford; special friend, Walter Tate.  He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.