Georgiana A. Perkins

Georgiana Alice Perkins, lovingly known as "Binky" and "Mrs. P," passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024, in her hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 84. Born on August 9, 1940, she was the beloved daughter of Vincent Taft Adams and Caroline Rose Redrup Adams.

Georgie attended IPS School #86 from 1946-1954. She then attended Shortridge High School and graduated in 1958. After leaving High School, Georgie attended Ohio Wesleyan University where she graduated in the Class of 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts & Education. While at Ohio Wesleyan, Georgie was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the sailing club. Later, she attended Butler University and received her master’s degree in Art Education.

Georgie dedicated a significant portion of her life to education, inspiring countless students with her passion for the arts. She began her art teaching career in IPS elementary schools from 1963 to 1967. After a brief move to Germany, she returned to Indianapolis, where she spent a remarkable 26 years teaching drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry, wood, and leather crafts at Warren Central High School, retiring in 1999. Throughout her career, she was recognized for her commitment to excellence in education, earning accolades such as the "Set a Good Example Award" in 1994 and the "You Make a Difference Award" in 1998. Georgie was proud to co-sponsor the Just Say No club and actively participated in the Top 10 and Class Honors programs.

Her talents extended far beyond the walls of the classroom; Many regarded her as a second mother, praising her loving and compassionate nature, adventurous spirit, and the ability to make everyone feel like a friend. Georgie enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests, with Girl Scouting holding a special place in her heart.

A member of Girl Scouts since 1947, Georgie was a Mariner Scout in high school from 1954-1958 during which time she earned her First Class, Curved Bar, 5 Point Star, Midshipmite and Jack Tar Awards. Georgie always enthusiastically told the story of her high school Girl Scout troop raising money for 4 years so they could have the funds to travel by boat to Europe on the Queen Mary and back home again on the Queen Elizabeth. They spent 10 weeks during the summer of 1957 touring Europe. As a young adult Girl Scout member, Georgie was waterfront director at Camp Dellwood in 1958, Camp Gallahue in 1959, and a counselor at Hillcrest (McCormick’s Creek State Park) in 1960. 

Georgie led all of her daughters’ Girl Scout troops from Brownies to Seniors, including leading a TOFS (Troops On Foreign Soil) during their stay in Germany. Between 1972-1992, Georgie led adventurous trips with her Indianapolis based troops to Girl Scout National Center West in Wyoming, Our Cabana in Mexico, the Olave House in England, and Our Chalet in Switzerland.

Georgie was also an active volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana council (formerly Hoosier Capital). She was the chairman of the Voyager Committee from 1977-1980, a delegate at the Girl Scout National Convention in 1977, and chaired an Arts in Action Wider Opportunity (hosting 135 national and international girls) in 1983. Georgie was a member of the board with the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana from 1988-2010.

In 1982, Georgie became a Girl Scout Life Time Member. Through the years, she received multiple awards including: Thanks Badge 1983, Presidents Award 1984, Anna M Ridge Award 1987, group Spirit Award 1996, Thanks II Award 2001, Spirit Award 2004, and she was honored with a lasting legacy at Dudley Gallahue Valley Camp with "Georgie's Place at Hillcrest”. After 20 years of leading troops, Georgie became an active member of the Scout Abouts, where she continued her scouting adventures, including a trip to the Girl Scout World Center in Sangam India in 2003.  

Georgie was also on the Board of Trustees and a member of the Development Committee at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis from 2005-2013. During this time, she was able to travel to Egypt with the museum to help develop the exhibit "Take Me There Egypt". Georgie also volunteered in the visual arts category for the Prelude Awards at the museum which showcased the artistic talents of Marion County high school students in music and the arts. Her passion for the museum led her to take several of her grandchildren on the Children's Museum sponsored trips to South Dakota to participate in the Dino Dig program as well as museum sponsored trips with many of her granddaughters to the American Girl Store in Chicago. Holiday Mornings, Breakfast with Santa, and sneak peek exhibit gala's at the museum are memories that will last a lifetime with her grandchildren.

Georgie's love for her family was profound. She loved accompanying her husband, Chuck, on many of his fishing adventures, though she often sat in the boat and read a book. They often fished in the lakes of Wisconsin and would join her sons' family at the Birch Creek Music Center to watch his children perform in symphonic concerts. Georgie’s home was always where the family gathered for holidays and milestone celebrations. Georgie always led the family in a chorus of "Johnny Appleseed" before each Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Charles W. Perkins, and her three daughters, Deirdre [Michael] Gengenbach, Maeve [Mark] Van Hoorde, and Tara Spicer, her son, Arlen [Jody] Spicer, as well as her cherished grandchildren: Stephen [Jessica] Van Hoorde, Kevin [Cherrie] Van Hoorde, Caroline [Daniel] Brewer, Adrienne [Charlie] Watts, Haley [Eric] Vergon, Ben [partner Catherine] Spicer, Anna [fiancé Michael] Van Hoorde, Cora Spicer, Logan Rousu, and Aila Rousu.  Also grieving her loss are her step-sons, Jon Perkins and Scott Perkins. “Aunt Georgie” was also beloved by her nieces and nephews, Becky, Alice, Mike, Tommy, and their children. Georgie's legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Easton Van Hoorde and Amari Brewer.

Georgie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Elizabeth Lynne [Robert] Burroughs.

Georgie’s vibrant spirit and warmheartedness will be deeply missed by family and friends. A visitation honoring Georgie's life will take place on December 5, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, both held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N Michigan Rd, Zionsville, Indiana, 46077.

The service will be live-streamed; you can CLICK HEREto view.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to:

Georgie's Legacy Enhancing Girl Scout Camp Gallahue
https://girlscoutsindiana.networkforgood.com/projects/239432-georgie-s-legacy-enhancing-camp-gallahue

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Tribute Link
https://give.childrensmuseum.org/tribute
Or checks may be mailed to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis; 3000 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208.