By LINDA MALONE / Community Columnist

During one of my many strolls through the community of Harpersville, I have found many pillars of this wonderful little community.

These particular pillars of this community started back at the turn of the century with our own wonderful Frances Perkins of Perk’s Bar-B-Que.

Mrs. Perkins was the former Frances McGinnis. The McGinnises were also pillars in the Harpersville community. Mrs. Perkins’ grandfather and uncle, Sam and Bud, brothers, were well-known farmers and coon hunters back in the day. These brothers were so well known that local judges in the surrounding areas would come and hunt with them. They were known for their hunting skills.

The McGinnis brothers set an excellent example for their children as we can see today when visiting with Mrs. Perkins and her choice for a husband, Mr. Theolphus Perkins.

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have been married for 45 years.

“As we all know, women can pin the time of marriage to the date, years, minutes and seconds,” Mr. Perkins said. So, Mr. P is in trouble if he missed a year.

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are very spiritual people. They are always available to lend a helping hand to those in need. You can always find the smiling faces of the Perkinses.

They give to their community in many ways, including “Fun Days” at their place of business, Perk’s Bar-B-Q,ue so that the community can come together to get to know one another, laugh, play and listen to some good music. The Perkinses feel that this particular activity relieves some of the stress of world, at least for a few hours in our busy schedules.

Mr. Perkins has a band, Perkins & Company. The band has been together, on and off, approximately eight years. The band loves to play for local weddings, anniversaries and street festivals.

They play a variety of music including country, gospel, R & B and oldies, but goodies. Sorry, no rap.

Some secretly believe that Mrs. P will not allow rap, but Mr. P will take a request every now and then. The Perkinses, especially Frances, are truly gifts from God in this community and the world as a whole.

They are the parents of Harpersville’s mayor, Theoangelo Perkins and the proud grandparents of two lovely little girls.

Linda Malone, the community columnist for Harpersville, can be reached at Malo2211@bellsouth.net.