Birth date: Mar 23, 1918 Death date: Jun 24, 2016
Elizabeth Wickman McGraw Perkins , aged 98, of Clearwater passed away peacefully at her home on June 24, 2016. She was born in Winnetka, Illinois and moved to Clearwater , Florida in 1943. Betty had numerous accomplishments throug Read Obituary
I am truly sorry that I was unable to attend Betty's funeral, my thoughts and prayers were with her family members. I am sure her life was well celebrated and duly honored throughout her funeral service. She was a one-of-a-kind and they broke the mold after her. I feel truly blessed to have known Betty. She is on the Stairway to Heaven!
Madonna Campion
Betty always brightened my day when I saw her. She was spirited and witty and we always enjoyed speaking with her. She will be missed. Our condolences go out to her family.
Vic, my condolences to you and your family.
Clyde Hobby
Betty was a mentor to those of us who grew up in Clearwater. She taught us how to tie knots, sail, and many life lessons from field trips and campouts through Mariner Scouts.
And, who can forget her blue convertible.
With fondest memories,
Dee Brown Bucklew
Taken at a Sunday dinner at CYC June 2016. We used to have dinner together when I come in on my bi-monthly visits to Mom. Betty and my Mom, Peggy Word, met in 1944 in Clearwater. Dad had already met Betty at the Clearwater Air Park. Both Betty and Mom were pregnant at the time and became lifelong friends. She always brought smiles to everyone. She's flying high now.
It is with great fondness and admiration that we bid farewell to Betty McGraw Perkins, a founding and nurturing member of the Abilities Guild.
A true pioneer in many respects, Betty was an accomplished sailor, avid airplane pilot, world traveler, and Clearwater community activist and philanthropist.
She was among a group of prominent women invited by Ollie Full Hamm in 1979 to the home of Ruth Eckerd. Along with Ollie, Rosalie Jenkins, Charlotte Snyder, Jeanne Shepard, Ellen Snibbe, Nell Lokey, and others, Betty (shown at top right) helped form the Abilities Guild―a women’s auxiliary that just celebrated its 35th anniversary.
Throughout each of those years, Betty was a staunch supporter Abilities, Inc. of Florida, known today as ServiceSource Florida―volunteering, sponsoring events, hosting functions, and lending valuable leadership and guidance that helped us improve the lives and families of Floridians and veterans with disabilities.
Betty McGraw Perkins was an original whose spirit and love of family and life will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Guild, she was a great friend to many of us and an even greater friend to the Clearwater charitable community.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 701 Orange Avenue, Clearwater FL, 33756.
Frank DeLucia
Program Development Executive
ServiceSource Florida
I've known Betty since my family moved to Sunset Dr in 1949, I baby sat Vic and Robin although I was just in CJHS!. I've enjoyed her delightful personality and many wonderful stories all these years. Betty was so proud of her wonderful family. She will be sorely missed.
Nancy Currey
