Catherine Perkins

Catherine Ann Perkins, or "Cat" as she was lovingly known, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday June 17, 2023 at 41 years old. Defying her doctors' predictions of a short life not to extend beyond the age of five. Cat lived as full a life as anyone could in a body where her muscles slowly wasted away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy diagnosed when she was eighteen months old. A bright child, she raced through school graduating with the Bearden High Class of 2000. Afterward she attended Pellissippi State, but always knowing that her time on earth was limited, she wanted to have fun and was determined to determined to live the life she was given to the fullest despite her limited and diminishing mobility. She embraced every bit of technology that came her way aiding her in communicating with and exploring the world. She followed rock bands especially Portugal.the.Man, loved local rock and drag show; and adorned her body with vibrant tattoos. She was a progressive thinker with a keen intellect, a compassionate, loving spirit and the self-proclaimed freaks of the world were Cat's people, her impish grin belying her awareness of the ironies and absurdities of life as it rolled out before her. Cat enjoyed the companionship of her furry friends: her beloved retrievers, Leo and Diva; her cat, Nala; her boxer mix, Moose; and currently Josie, a blue tick, beagle mix. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bob and Hazel Brimi, Roy and Mae Perkins, Aunt Barbara Brimi ,Uncles, Paul and Bill Brimi. Left to cherish her memory are her strongest, fiercest supporters, her mother, Elizabeth Brimi, her brothers Bill and Brian Perkins, nephew, Grayson Mills, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cat’s family would like to thank her devoted caregiver and friend, Daniel who stuck by Cat’s side by most of her adult life; her caregivers and friends, Bethany and Maureen; Gentiva Hospice, Dr.s Montgomery and Summers, nurses Nicki and Rob; and UT Hospice, Dr. Pearman, nurse Patrick; and the UT Emergency Room medical team, especially Dr. Davis. A celebration of Cat’s life is planned for a later date.

Tributes

Catherine Perkins

June 4, 1982 - June 17, 2023