Sharon F. Perkins – 67 – of 2221 County Rt. 109 (Turnpike Road) died unexpectedly on Thursday (September 23, 2010) at her home.

Born in Cuba, NY on April 17, 1943, she was the daughter of Gladys (Conrad) Brown.

Sharon grew up in Belfast, NY and was a graduate of Belfast Central School (Class of 1960).  She has resided in the Hornell area for most of her adult life.

She had been employed for a time as a waitress at Pudgies Pizza in Hornell and for many years was employed at Crowley’s Dairy in Arkport, retiring in 1998.

Sharon was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She had a deep love for animals and raised, loved & cared for many dogs & horses throughout the years.  She would often donate food and her time to the Hornell Humane Society.

A self-proclaimed “history buff”, Sharon enjoyed watching the History Channel on TV.  She also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees.

Sharon will be remembered as a “fun loving – free spirit” who enjoyed having a good time with her family & friends.  She was always the “life of the party” — first to arrive & the last to leave.  Sharon will also be remembered as a “feisty gal” who had a deep love & appreciation for country music.  She will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richton “Curly” Brown, James “Jim” Brown and Theodore “Ted” Brown; 1 sister; Veronica Piano; 2 grandchildren, Billie-Jo Lee and Patrick Lee.

Surviving are 4 daughters, Tina (Dan) Lee of Hornell, Theresa (George) Schnellman of Conway, SC, Tammy (Ted) Murray of Hornell and Colleen (Charlie) Harrison of Hornell; 2 sons, Ronald (Lorrie) Perkins of Chiefland, FL and Timothy (Val) Perkins of Hornell; 3 sisters, Patricia Benjamin of Oswego, Virginia Pearson of Melrose, FL and Kathleen Updyke of Arkport; 1 brother, Darrell Brown of Hornell; sister in law, Norberta Brown; brother-in-law, Don Piano;her best friends, Ella Lippincott & Cleo Stillman; 21 grandchildren; 3 great-granddaughters; many nieces & nephews.

At Sharon’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Sharon’s family request that contributions in her memory be made to the Hornell Humane Society, PO Box 533, Hornell, NY 14843.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.