Missionary Matilda (Walton) Perrin

We pause to announce the transition of a woman of unwavering faith, style, and strength, Missionary Matilda (Walton) Perrin a beloved mother, grandmother, and a true servant of God. Her life was rooted in kindness, wisdom, and service. We know without a shadow of doubt that Sweet Jesus dispatched his Angels to carry her soul to her resting place. Though she has transitioned, her light continues to shine in every heart she touched.

Missionary Matilda Walton-Perrin was born on January 30, 1936, to the late Bertha Walton and John Wesley Grimes. Her life was one of unwavering service to her family, friends, church, and community.

God was the center of everything she did—from caring for her family, to fulfilling her church duties, to visiting and ministering to those in nursing homes. Missionary Perrin faithfully served at Mount Zion Church of God Holiness under the late pastor, Presiding Elder Willie J Taylor for more than forty years. Her accomplishments included serving on the Usher Board, working as a Missionary in the Southeastern District, serving as Treasurer of Helping Hands Ministry, and presiding as President of the Women Willing Workers Ministry. She also represented her church throughout the National Conventions which included revivals and Ministers’ Councils.

Missionary Perrin was well known throughout the Church of God Holiness for her powerful and heartfelt testimonies. She earned the affectionate nickname “Sweet Jesus,” as she lovingly referred to the Lord whenever she spoke of Him. Those who worshipped alongside her will forever remember her familiar expressions during church services—“Listen, Matilda,” “Truly,” and “Say that again”—phrases that reflected her deep engagement with the Word. Beyond the church walls, she was especially fond of encouraging young people in the community, often reminding them to “Stay sweet for Sweet Jesus.”

Missionary Matilda Walton-Perrin departed this life on December 23, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James "Puni" Perrin; her mother, Bertha Walton; her father, John Wesley Grimes; her stepmother, Mary Grimes; three sons, Scott Douglas Perrin, Bart Anthony Perrin, and Malcolm Antonio Perrin; her sisters, Helen Willis, Bessie Walton, and Carolyn Marie Walton; and her brothers, Robert L. Walton and Vernon Grimes.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Larry Perrin (Paula) of Elberton, GA; Randy Perrin (Diane) of Elberton, GA; Steve Perrin (Venessa) of Elberton, GA; Vermillion Heard of Auburn, GA; Myra Perrin of Elberton, GA; and Peggie Mack of Elberton, GA; her brothers: Samuel Grimes of Commerce, GA; Cornell Grimes of Commerce, GA; and Frederick Walton (Louise) of Elberton, GA; her sisters: Francis Ward of Commerce, GA; Wendy Sepateh of Riverdale, GA; Terry David (Jerry) of Athens, GA; Jeanette Walton Carter of Elberton, GA; Ruby Pittman (Bobby) of Commerce, GA; Starkie Providence of Philadelphia, PA; and Diane Grimes of Commerce, GA; her cousin, Carl L. Walton (Sarah) of Elberton, GA; her goddaughter, First Lady Linda Jordan (Elder Jordan) of Elberton, GA; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 1:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 2:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel

Interment service will immediately follow the funeral service at Lincoln Heights Cemetery

The family are at their respective homes; we ask that you keep the Perrin family in your thoughts and prayers.

You may express your condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in her honor to provide comfort to the family.

Arrangements for Mrs. Matilda (Walton) Perrin have been entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Missionary Matilda (Walton) Perrin, please visit our floral store.