Mary Emily Badger Perkins

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Emily Badger James Perkins, 85 of Charlotte, N.C. on August 18, 2025.

Mary enjoyed a day, surrounded by her children and love, before quietly passing away at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, in Charlotte. Mary was born in Nassawadox Hospital, Va. on June 3, 1940, the only child of John Tankard Badger Jr., and Mary Emily (Dunton) Badger of Nassawadox. Mary graduated from Northampton High School in 1958 and from Radford University in 1962 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, leading to a teaching career she greatly enjoyed. She cared deeply for her students and colleagues, sharing her dedication, warmth, and smile with all whose lives she touched. On August 11, 1962, Mary married her high school sweetheart, John “Jack” Edmonds James, at Red Bank Baptist Church. They had three children while living in Richmond, Va., before moving to Charlotte. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Angie James Stadler (Jim), Millie James Driggers (Jason), and John Edmonds James, Jr. (Lance), and her seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jack James, to whom she was married for 29 years, in 1991; her granddaughter, Emily Megan Stadler, in 2001; and her second husband, Walter Henry Perkins Jr., to whom she was married for 17 years, in 2022.

Mary, a retired school teacher, valued literacy and tutoring, staying involved outside the classroom walls. She maintained strong ties to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where she built special memories throughout her life. After raising her children in Charlotte, she returned to the Shore for many years before life drew her closer to family again. She enjoyed growing roses, watching birds—especially hummingbirds—reading, and cherishing time with her family. Even as her memory dimmed, she never forgot the faces of those she held dear. She will be missed, and remembered for her gentle spirit, her warmth, her love, and her compassion for others. She will be returned to the Shore that was such a special part of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Mary’s memory to causes close to her heart: Donors Choose supporting teachers and classrooms in need, or to XC Collective Where Miles Matter, which provides financial assistance to student athletes. This foundation, started by her daughter Millie Driggers, stands as a tribute to Mary’s generous spirit and reflects the legacy she leaves through her children—a legacy of opportunity, kindness, and support that will carry forward for generations to come.

Family, and friends who knew Mary, are invited to join us at Christ Epsicopal Church, 16304 Courthouse Road in Eastville for a celebration of her life, Monday, August 25, 2025 at 10 o’clock. Refreshments immediately following at the Parish House.