Laura Mavis Merrill Perkins, better known as Mavis Perkins, died on Jan. 11, 2015, at the Penacook Place Nursing Home in Haverhill, MA. She was born in Madison, ME, on May 25, 1936. She was the daughter of Orrin H. Merrill Sr. and Ruby Haines Merrill. The family moved often during the Second World War, so Mavis attended elementary schools in Madison, Richmond and Bath, all in Maine. Following the War, they relocated to Lakeport, NH and became involved in the Advent Christian Church. When Mavis was a young teenager the family moved once again, this time to Bangor, ME, where they continued to be active in an Advent Christian Church.

After graduating from Bangor High School in 1954, Mavis enrolled at the New England School of Theology in Brookline, MA, and graduated from the Lenox campus. While in the Boston area, she was employed by The Children’s Haven, an inner-city missionary outreach.
She worshipped for several years at the Somerville Advent Christian Church. Eventually, she purchased a cottage at The Alton Bay Christian Conference Center in New Hampshire. She enjoyed the fellowship there, making many new friends during those years.

On October 6, 1979, Mavis was married to Laurie Perkins at Alton Bay, NH, thus becoming stepmother to Cheryl Perkins. This threesome attended the Haverhill, MA, Advent Christian Church. Mavis enjoyed the fellowship and ministry there and faithfully participated in serving wherever she could. During many of those years, she worked in the admissions office of the former Bon Secoeur Hospital in Methuen.

Mavis leaves three brothers and 3 sisters-in-law: Dr. Eugene H. and Janet Merrill from Dallas, TX; Orrin H. Jr. and Fay Merrill from Millinocket, ME; and Erwin R. and Alberta Merrill from South Paris, ME. Her only sister, Miriam, is married to the Rev. James Loghry. They now live in Pascoag, RI. Mavis had eight nieces and nephews and was a great-aunt to many others. Her funeral was conducted on Jan. 17, 2015, at the Haverhill Advent Christian Church, with the Rev. Frank Jewett officiating.

Although she suffered from many and varied health issues throughout the years, Mavis was a model of grit and determination in spite of it all. Now she rests from her trials and awaits the return of her Savior Jesus Christ, Whom she loved and served so well.

Gifts in memory of Laura Mavis Perkins may be sent to the Haverhill Advent Christian Church, 160 Carleton Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.