Mona Joann (Smith) Perkins was born on the 28th of March 1957 to Nancy P. (Barnes) Smith in Indianapolis, Indiana at (General) Wishard Hospital.  Posing for a photo with her legs crossed at age 3 all on her own, Mona’s mother says she showed signs of a charismatic child at an early age.  Mona would go on to attend and graduate from Manual High School.  Also, this is around the time, she gave birth to her first son, Telly Ingram in April 1974.  With a passion for craftsmanship, Mona would later enroll in art school to further her interest.  In August 1980, her second son, Marlon Perkins arrived, followed by Maurice Perkins in January 1983.  Several years later, she would attend Ivy Tech Community College, majoring in Paralegal.

 Some time later, she held a position with Augustino’s restuarant in the Keystone area of Indianapolis.  Mona unexpectedly obtained an immediate position at Pizza Hut, after a spur of the moment “Need any help?” after seeing the busy rush the resturant was in.  After a few years, she moved on to another job and would become the lead night shift supervior for janitorial service company.  Mona would take a hiatus from work to focus on raising her three sons.  After Maurice’s graduation from high school, she would return to the workforce at Cintas for over a decade.

Mona was an ardent fan of Prince.  His music would always bring her joy and keep her in the best of moods.   You could also catch her watching her favorite daytime soap operas.  She enjoyed small walks for the sake of it and trips to the local libraries just to find anything of reading interest.  Let the Pacers or Colts play on television or her sons competing in local sports, Mona would turn into the loudest, supporting fan the city has seen!  Mona will also be known as a women that kept her family together as one.

Mona has also left behind a sister, Dana Dunlap, and a brother Tony Smith.  Mona’s love for family will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed and loved endless by more people than she could ever imagine.