Bryan Michael Alexander Perkins obituary

Bryan Michael Alexander Perkins Obituary

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

June 02, 1991 - August 07, 2024

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Bryan Michael Alexander Perkins obituary

Bryan Michael Alexander Perkins Obituary

Jun 02, 1991 - Aug 07, 2024

This obituary is administered by:

A Life Well Lived

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bryan Michael-Alexander Perkins-Edney, from cardiac arrest on August 7, 2024, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on June 2, 1991, Bryan was the beloved son of Troy B. Edney and Donnita Perkins Etheridge. 

Bryan's life was a testament to kindness, love, and gentleness. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, he endeared himself to everyone he met. Affectionately known as the "gentle giant," Bryan had a heart of gold and a special love for all the children in his life. His warmth and kindness touched everyone he encountered, leaving a lasting impact.

He attended Calvary Revival Christian School, graduating in 2009, and furthered his education at Elizabeth City State University, where he graduated in 2014. Bryan went on to work at Trantwood Elementary and Birdneck Elementary, where he brightened the lives of his colleagues and students with his playful antics and genuine kindness. His Trantwood Elementary family held a special place in his heart, where he made lasting memories and friendships.

Despite his untimely passing Bryan leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and compassion. Though he may not have had children of his own, he was like a big kid himself, always making others smile and feel loved.

Bryan is survived by his devoted mother and father, Donnita Perkins Etheridge and Troy B. Edney; his cherished sister, Ashleigh Perkins; his maternal grandparents, Saundra and Vertone Perkins; and his paternal grandparents, Margaret Delk Edney and Joseph Edney. He is also survived by two loving aunts, Krysten Perkins Ford and Shernell Stilley; bonus family Raphus Etheridge Jr., Tiara and Raphus Etheridge III (Tre), as well as a host of family, friends, parents and students who will miss him dearly.

As we mourn the loss of Bryan, let us remember him for the joy, laughter, and love he brought into our lives. His legacy of compassion and kindness will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him. Rest well, Bryan. You will be dearly missed.

Bryan’s favorite saying was:

“I’m just trying to be great”

My Love You are GREAT!! You achieved your goal!❤️❤️

You can to the family or in memory of Bryan Perkins.

Events

Viewing Details:
2:00 pm
August 19, 2024
Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church St, Norfolk, VA
Funeral Details:
11:00 am
August 20, 2024
Calvary Revival Church, 5833 Poplar Hall Dr, Norfolk, Virginia
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Leanne BolinAug 19, 2024, 5:18 p.m.
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Fundraiser Description

Please support the Perkins family by contributing in solidarity to honor the memory of Bryan.

Fundraising Updates

The Perkins and Edney families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of kind words and generous donations. We will be finalizing the arrangements for Bryan's service this week and will provide updates on the site. Thank you all for seeing Bryan as we did. He often said he was "trying to be great," however, he didn’t realize that he was Great!

Guestbook

chase gaston
chase gaston
Oct 10, 2024

chase gaston sends their condolences.

Robyn Stephenson
Robyn Stephenson
Aug 24, 2024

I love you perk 🩵 it was my honor to work with you (always reminded to “be humble”🫶) and years before that it was my son’s honor to learn how to properly shake a man's hand, with his tiny little fatherless one in your giant gentle kind one 🩵 You reminded us all that it not only takes a VILLAGE to raise a child but to also raise up each other 🫶 Thank You 🙏🏽 I will forever ‘Love you More’ Teacher Robyn

Robyn added a image

Kaelie  Perkins
Kaelie Perkins
Aug 22, 2024

I'm broken and hate that you're gone. My heart aches knowing that hundreds of 'babies' don't get to have their hero anymore and hundreds of humans won't have your time, calls, random drop-ins, education, voice, laughs, jokes, shenanigans and stories. You were, and will forever be, a pure authentic genuine magical human and there are not enough words to describe the immense gratitude I have for you being a part of 'my village' and being such an amazing friend. You were unmatched. 9 years wasn't long enough, but I promise to keep up with the 'Let's Go Water Mammals', have beef with Yosh, and I'll try my best to embarrass 'all your kids' when I get the chance, cause "It's a Perkins Thing". I thank you beyond measure for choosing us to be a part of your life, as it was nothing short of a privilege and honor to be a part of yours. You do your best with your next journey, and we'll do our best here 🖤

Kaelie  added a image

Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross
Aug 19, 2024

Sometimes I wish we could turn back the hands of time. I’m so sorry that Bryan is gone. Sending love and praying that God will comfort you during this time.

Driek Aro
Driek Aro
Aug 13, 2024

Bryan loved Busch Garden during Fright Fest! He went almost every year. I’m happy I got to experience one year with him.

Driek added a image

David Bowden
David Bowden
Aug 12, 2024

I knew Bryan from Birdneck ES. I always loved watching him teach. I took this picture in 2017 because of how long the jerseys were compared to the size of the students. Great memories.

David added a image

Graham, Perry
Graham, Perry
Aug 12, 2024

Graham, Perry & Reid Wilcox sends their condolences.

Dwight Carrington
Dwight Carrington
Aug 12, 2024

Dwight planted a tree for Bryan.

Traci  Garrett
Traci Garrett
Aug 11, 2024

Bryan has been a part of our family for 8 years now. My kids took to him and he showed up to every ceremony, school event, and birthday for both of my kids. I will miss his random texts of the waving hand..asking what his kids were up to, wanting to spend the day at Busch gardens or some other fun outing. He was THE MOST selfless person. He would bring his famous, highly requested wings to our parties and never hesitated to do so. He was like my big brother and went from PE teacher to Uncle to my babies. We are deeply saddened and his presence will be missed. He was such a light to my family…and everyone that was blessed to know him. We love you Bryan..or as I called you..Perkinnnnns!!!! You were truly our gentle giant and you were truly great!!!!

Monica  Jones
Monica Jones
Aug 10, 2024

Such a nice person always talked about his kids. I always enjoyed seeing him each day at his other job as a personal shopper. I always told him he had a voice for tv or a DJ. Always good to be around him, and to hear is voice throughout the store. My deepest sympathy 🙏🏼 to the family. 🕯

Ann  Windsor
Ann Windsor
Aug 10, 2024

I had the honor to work with Mr. Perkins and he was a big Teddy bear to all of us . He had an infectious smile and a consistent sense of humor. His love for all our students will be missed and his kindness and humor will be his continued legacy to his coworkers and students .

Quinn
Quinn
Aug 10, 2024

Quinn Prible sends their condolences.

Quinn Prible
Quinn Prible
Aug 10, 2024

I remember being so excited to show him my suit when I promised him I was gonna wear a dress lol. I was so mad (in a funny way) When he would say that we are grounded for leaving him at lunch..... We are now forever grounded rest in peace Mr. Perkins! 🎀💓💓💓🎀

Quinn added a image

Quinn Prible
Quinn Prible
Aug 10, 2024

Mr. Perkins was the kindest teacher I ever met, me and him had a great bond along with some of my classmates he was probably just the best teacher for me to ever have. He gave everyone laughter and joy when they were sad, he loved unconditionally and he will forever be missed. I just wish and pray I could've told him or said one last thing to him, if I could this is what it would be " out of all the people in this world you were the kindness, the happiest, honestly just the best. I love you so much I wish you wouldn't have to go but we all eventually have to go, peace out love you".He will forever be missed rest in peace Mr. Perkins, Mr. Brian,whichever one I will love him and he will forever be in my heart.

Lisa Lee
Lisa Lee
Aug 10, 2024

One of my favorite memories is when he first started working at our school and he saw that the kids at parent pick up were off the chain, I heard his booming voice call out “I spy with my little eye something yellow.” All of a sudden everyone from the pre-K kids to the fifth graders got quiet, started looking around and raising their hands excitedly to figure out what he saw. They absolutely loved to play that game with him and he did it often, which was a lifesaver. He was a genius in positive ways to connect with the kids and also instill joy instead of reproach. We all learned from him ❤️

Lisa Lee
Lisa Lee
Aug 10, 2024

Bryan changed the climate at our school immediately with his charming, playful, positive spirit—brightening each day with his humor and connecting with all of our students from the big to the littles. Bryan was a mentor, and at 33 more profoundly impacted our students than I’ve seen before. He truly was a gentle giant and I know we will strive to continue his legacy of love and support for others. I will miss you, Bryan.

Kaitlyn Grizzard
Kaitlyn Grizzard
Aug 10, 2024

I only knew Bryan for a short period of time in my last year at Trantwood. Myself and students were always excited when he came to pick them up for PE. He made such a huge impact on every life he touched. The Trantwood family was lucky to have him. -Kaitlyn Grizzard

Sharon Walke
Sharon Walke
Aug 10, 2024

Bryan was such a sweet person. Whenever he'd come into Walmart I'd always say, " We have a vest waiting for you." His response was always, " I THINK NOT" I'm going to miss the banter we shared and that beautiful smile of his. Bryan your presence will definitely be missed by many. FLY HIGH MY FRIEND🕊️🕊️🕊️

Gretchen Garbutt
Gretchen Garbutt
Aug 09, 2024

Mr. Perkins (Mr. Purr-kitten’s to my daughters) was such a special person who made each student feel seen. The Trantwood families will not forget his kindness and dedication to the children. From Beatrice- He made school fun and exciting, he was funny and uplifting . He made most of us funny nicknames that made us all laugh and we loved when he said it. He will be missed. Mr. Purr-kittens was an awesome guy, I was really close with him and will miss him so much. He was so funny and kind. Trantwood will never be the same without him . I wish I could just see him one more time. I will miss him and will always remember him- love phoebe

Charlene Mara
Charlene Mara
Aug 09, 2024

Bryan! What can I say about a person who's impact on this world was bigger than himself? You helped me through tough times. You helped all of us Walmart employees through so much. My heart is genuinely shattered. I remember the day you took this picture for me to show my boss that this sign was incorrect. I remember you coming to Summer's birthday dinner and fitting right in with my crazy family. I wish I had gotten to tell you all the good news! I miss you so much already. The world truly lost an absolutely amazing soul. I will cherish every memory and every nerf bullet I find. 🥺😭

Charlene added a image

Michael Castillo
Michael Castillo
Aug 09, 2024

Deeply saddened to hear of Bryan’s passing! We met while I worked for Virginia Beach Parks & Rec and he was definitely a one-of-a-kind person. The bonds he made with the kids he worked with was admirable, and he was such a hard working man. I’m grateful to have met him and I wish his close friends and family well during this difficult time. You will be missed, Bryan!

Tarya &
Tarya &
Aug 09, 2024

Tarya & Dwayne Watson sends their condolences.

Chloe Scott
Chloe Scott
Aug 09, 2024

All the giant sweet teas for you! Rest easy

Christina Taylor
Christina Taylor
Aug 09, 2024

My 2nd favorite Gemini (me being the first lol), I will miss you with all of my heart. You were a literal life size teddy bear. Thank you for being a true friend. i love you. Rest Well. <3

Christina added a image

Tida Reveley
Tida Reveley
Aug 09, 2024

Mr. Perkins was by far the favorite part of the day for my daughter and her friends. His positivity was contagious and his absence will not go unnoticed. He was one of a kind and will be missed very much.

Leroy  Askew
Leroy Askew
Aug 09, 2024

My deepest heart condolences to the family and friends. Words can't express the the difference you made in so many people lives. May the Lord give us strength in our darkest hours.

Lisa Nash
Lisa Nash
Aug 09, 2024

I did not know this young man personally but he worked with my daughter and son in law who shared this devastating news. Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to your family. Praying for strength, comfort and peace for you all.

Steven  Obrien
Steven Obrien
Aug 09, 2024

our family was saddened to hear of his passing our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Valentin Scarevnea
Valentin Scarevnea
Aug 09, 2024

Valentin Scarevnea sends their condolences.

Kim Hartin
Kim Hartin
Aug 09, 2024

We’re so sad to hear this. Mr. Perkins was so kind to my daughters at Trantwood. He always tried to make them laugh and smile. He also came to so many of their events, even if they were at school or not held at Trantwood. He was so special. We will miss him! ❤️

Kari Drury
Kari Drury
Aug 09, 2024

Mr. Perkins was such a great member of the Trantwood community. His positive energy was contagious! He always put in extra effort to connect with students throughout the school day. He even showed up for every school event and was even spotted many times out in the community supporting students. He will be greatly missed.

Van Dierstein
Van Dierstein
Aug 09, 2024

Thank you for teaching me athletics you will be missed!✝️🩵

Van Dierstein
Van Dierstein
Aug 09, 2024

Van Dierstein sends their condolences.

Janet Dierstein
Janet Dierstein
Aug 09, 2024

My children spoke of Mr Perkins often. We Would see him randomly at sporting events bc he was there supporting kids outside of school. What a sweet kind man. Trantwood will miss him. My thoughts go out to his family.

Anna Gordon
Anna Gordon
Aug 09, 2024

My kids were new to Trantwood last year and my then 1st grader, Meredith, was very shy. Mr. Perkins stayed with her during recess for the first two weeks of school while she was feeling lonely and he helped her to make friends. He was at all of the after school events and all of the kids would rush to give him a hug and say hi. He was the kind of teacher you always hope for. He made such an impact on all of the kids at the school and he will be terribly missed. From Eliza - We really miss you. I liked that you let people come up to you and follow you everywhere. From Meredith - You helped me make friends with other people. On Halloween, he kept trying to scare kids everywhere and it was super funny.

Anna added a image

Azul Emede
Azul Emede
Aug 09, 2024

I had the pleasure to work with Mr. Perkins at Trantwood and what a joy it was to work with him! He was kind and funny and being around him just put you in a better mood. He was ALWAYS there to support our students and they adored him from the moment he arrived at Trantwood. His contagious positivity was a breath of fresh air. He truly was a bright light!

Hannah Phelps
Hannah Phelps
Aug 09, 2024

I was so blessed to work with Mr. Perkins at Trantwood. Almost everyday he would drop by my classroom in the morning to see the kids on his way back to the gym. They’d flock to the door to get a hug. The same happened every afternoon when they’d be picked up for PE. He ALWAYS showed up for his kids. He was at music concerts, softball games, moving up ceremonies…He even took it upon himself to start making a slideshow of yearbook pictures of my fifth graders from kindergarten to fifth grade. We are going to miss him so much, but I know we will all do our best to be a little more like Mr. Perkins. He was truly one of a kind.

Elizabeth Hickman
Elizabeth Hickman
Aug 09, 2024

Mr. Perkins brought kindness to everyone around him. My kids spoke of him often, especially Eloise, who enjoyed joking with Mr. Perkins. The kids both said they loved spending free time talking with him and doing fun things in PE. Our entire Trantwood Community will mourn this loss. He was a wonderful teacher to our kiddos and an truly impactful part of our school. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.

Elizabeth Lancaster
Elizabeth Lancaster
Aug 09, 2024

Mr. Perkins exemplified kindness, love, and positivity. He had a tremendous love for his students and families, and it was mutual. I will miss his excitement, laugh, and seeing the joy he brought to everyone around him.

The  Froehler Family
The Froehler Family
Aug 09, 2024

His kindness warmth and humor were contagious. He will be so missed by the students and community he served.

Gabrielle Baldwin
Gabrielle Baldwin
Aug 09, 2024

The Baldwin Family is heart broken. We will miss bumping into you at our weekly Walmart trips, at Trantwood and most of all your support at Bellamy’s basketball games. Things will never be the same.

Krista Sheets
Krista Sheets
Aug 09, 2024

Seeing Mr. Perkins always brought a smile to my kids’ faces. He was such a positive presence for all of the kids at Trantwood and he had such an impact on them. I hope he knew how much it meant every time he showed up for them at school and beyond. He will be missed.

Jackson  Sheets
Jackson Sheets
Aug 09, 2024

I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Perkins was so fun.

Monica  Osborne
Monica Osborne
Aug 09, 2024

There is not a child at Trantwood who doesn’t love Mr Perkins. He was definitely the fun teacher! He made everyone around him laugh and smile no matter what kind of day they were having. So encouraging and kind, he even showed up to kids sporting events outside of school hours to show his support. He was a very special guy and will be missed by all tremendously. My children talked about him all the time and I know he will never be forgotten.

Karen Lewis
Karen Lewis
Aug 09, 2024

Mr Perkins was a true light at Trantwood. He loved the students and staff and always went out of his way to bring joy to all of us. The students adored his genuine and caring personality. We were elated when he joined our staff. Myself and many others will never forget him and will continue to honor him through our words and actions. It was a privilege to work with such an amazing person. Rest easy Mr. Perkins in God’s loving arms.

Ashley  Hall
Ashley Hall
Aug 09, 2024

Bryan was one of the best people I’ve ever met. Kendall and all of us will miss him, the water gun fights, in the court and the great adventures he took the kids on. -The Halls

donnitap undefined
donnitap undefined
Aug 08, 2024

donnitap planted a grove of 3 trees for Bryan.

Brian Hill
Brian Hill
Aug 08, 2024

To the family, my true condolences for a man I knew since he was a kid and seen him after he grew into a man. I’m so sorry for your lose. Brian

Brian
Brian
Aug 08, 2024

Brian Hill sends their condolences.

Lillian Hill
Lillian Hill
Aug 08, 2024

I was Bryan’s Auntie, and we were Gemini twins, with his birthday the day after mine. Bryan was the kindest person I know. I loved him and I will miss him dearly. May your soul travel well nephew! But I know he’s in heaven making the angels laugh! Peace and blessings!! ❤️🙏🏽🥰

Kelly Davies
Kelly Davies
Aug 08, 2024

Bryan was one of the kindest souls from one of the kindest families I've ever known! I'm blessed to have known him and will forever cherish our friendship.

Gordon  Kirsch
Gordon Kirsch
Aug 08, 2024

Bryan was probably the kindest, most gentle person I have ever met. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to everyone that was blessed to have known him

Curtis Bartholomew
Curtis Bartholomew
Aug 08, 2024

Mr bryan was more than just a family friend to me , he was a mentor that I could go and talk to about anything that was on my mind. The main thing that always stood out to me about bryan was how whenever you asked him how he was he always responded “just trying to be great”. That always influenced me to try to be better everyday. Me and Bryan would spend entire days delivering grocery’s and talking about life and what I wanted my future to be and he always emphasized doing good in school and working hard. I will always miss seeing him at my lacrosse games and just being able to talk to him about life. Bryan was one of the most inspiring and influential people i’ve ever been around and he will always be missed.

Hailey Weaver
Hailey Weaver
Aug 08, 2024

Mr. Bryan was such an awesome individual, and changed all of our lives. He filled with the room with love and joy. My favorite memory with him was when he took me my siblings and our friends out to Busch gardens. We were stuck in traffic for the longest time and we all made the most of it, like singing karaoke. He will always be with us and look after us. We love and miss you so much. -Hailey Weaver

Kara Bartholomew
Kara Bartholomew
Aug 08, 2024

Mr Bryan was one of the nicest people i knew he would always be up to do something fun with my siblings and I. He always pushed me to tryout for new sports and to be my best self. My favorite memory of Mr Bryan was when he would take us on the Rudy rocket before the summer was over because everyone was laughing and he would always have a big smile on his face. He was one of my favorite people and I’m so lucky I got to spend the last few years knowing him. -Kara bartholomew

Kara added a image

kara bartholomew
kara bartholomew
Aug 08, 2024

kara bartholomew sends their condolences.

Kristin Weaver
Kristin Weaver
Aug 08, 2024

Mr Bryan was a part of our family. First with the kids at the rec center and then through the love of our puppy. Bryan’s sense of humor and patience were a gift. He will be missed by our entire family. We loved our guy and he loved us back.

Kristin added a image

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