Kinsey "Diane" Perkins

Kinsey Diana Oden Perkins, 71, of Beaufort, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, NC.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Beaufort. Burial will follow at Ocean View Cemetery in Beaufort. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Noe-Brooks Funeral Home of Morehead City.

Kinsey Diana Oden Perkins was born on April 22, 1954, in Morehead City, North Carolina to the late James Oden Sr. and Elizabeth Chadwick Oden. She was the ninth of twelve children. She received her education within the Carteret County School system and graduated from East Carteret High School in 1972. Kinsey dedicated 32 years of service to Atlantic Veneer Corporation before retiring in 2016.

Kinsey was recognized for her talent and creativity, taking particular joy in sewing, needlework, and gardening. She maintained a productive garden nearly year-round, cultivating seasonal fruits and vegetables. She often produced way more than she could ever consume and enjoyed sharing her harvest with others. She excelled at reviving distressed plants, often restoring them to their full vitality. Known locally as "the lady in the house on the corner with the beautiful flowers", she eagerly engaged with neighbors and passersby about her plants.

Kinsey leaves lasting memories to be cherished by her three children: Tanya (Kimbruew), Rasheed (Ashley), and April; four grandchildren: Tyana (Kenneth), Noah, Nikolas, and Kenya; one great-granddaughter, Kennedy; a sister, Fannie (James); three brothers: William (Cynthia), Ronald (Angela), and Kelvin; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Jr., and sisters Mildred, Letty, Reathella, Claudia, Hattie, and Virginia.