By Pearl Seaboy
BENNINGTON, Okla. – Mary Lee Perkins celebrated her 100th birthday on January 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at an Oklahoma Sooners themed party. A lifelong OU fan, Ms. Perkins recalls listening to some of the earliest Sooners games on the radio and still tunes in today on television or radio to cheer on her team.
Ms. Perkins enjoys sharing stories from her life, including her time working as a telephone operator. She has witnessed many significant moments in history and takes pride in passing those memories on to her family. While living in Dallas, she was working nearby when the late Robert F. Kennedy was tragically shot and killed. She remembers callers reaching out from across the country simply to connect with someone and share their grief during that difficult time.
Ms. Perkins often recites Psalm 23 from memory and enjoys sharing the beloved scripture with those around her.
Born January 17, 1926, in Oklahoma, Mary Lee Perkins is the daughter of the late Nora Lee (Gardner) Pettey and the late Grover Pettey. She is proud of her Choctaw heritage and gives thanks to the Good Lord for His blessings throughout her life.
Ms. Perkins enjoys spending time with family and friends. She and her family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Centric Home Health & Hospice, Hair Designs by Charlotte, Ms. Donna’s Pies, and to everyone who helped make her 100th birthday celebration special.