Karen Michelle Perkins

Karen Michelle Perkins, 70, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Sancerre Atlee Station in Mechanicsville, VA under the devoted and compassionate care of the staff in the Memory Care Unit as well as A Touch of Grace Health and Hospice.

Born on March 20, 1956, in Hampton, VA, Karen was the daughter of the late Woodrow Wilson Downing and Ruth Ann Wood Downing. She grew up playing the piano and flute, and her regard for music endured. She was an avid skier when she was younger, enjoyed dancing whenever she had the chance, and loved the beach.

Karen “Perky” Perkins spent most of her life dedicated to her 47-year career with the United States Army Civilian Service, eventually retiring in 2020 as Senior Executive Service, Human Resources Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command. She also spent many years enjoying the sport of running and completed over a dozen marathons spanning various cities across the country.

She will be remembered by her friends and family, first and foremost, for her love of people. She was also well-known for her intelligence, work ethic, dedication, and countless notable achievements in her education and career, as well as a strength and resilience that were unmatched. Her kindness, warmth, and smile touched the lives of many.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelley Morgan Nuckols (Justin); two granddaughters, Hallie (11) and Addison (8); and sister, Marsha D. Smith (Anthony). She was also preceded in death by her son, Nicolas Ryan Perkins. She would want special mention of her beloved canine pal, Bailey, as well.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. A private burial will take place at St. Luke’s Memorial Park, Smithfield, VA. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Karen’s dedication to assistance programs for Army soldiers and their families, a donation may be made to the Army Emergency Relief Fund at www.armyemergencyrelief.org. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.