Michael Lamont Perkins,Esq.

A Legacy of Love Michael was born on April 30, 1987 at 4:37AM to Michael and Cynthia Perkins and became the second child, and first son, of their union. Guided throughout his life by his deep and abiding faith, Michael was baptized as an infant on June 19, 1987 and grew spiritually at the church on the hill now known as New Covenant Apostolic Church in Richmond, VA. Growing up, Michael was not a kid of many words; however, you could find him either sitting on his dad’s lap or laughing with his sister. Michael was known by many nicknames, the first given to him by his father, “Bart”. Second, by his first God-Mother Nancy Whitaker “Mikey” or affectionately “My Mikey” or “Buddy” given to him by his former Pastor and friend, Bishop Willie G. Suggs. As a child, Michael always loved learning and pretended to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, “Michelangelo” to be specific. He took pride in his work and always made sure to do his best in school to include earning the highest Accelerated Reader points in his class. Michael enjoyed reading so much he would complete research projects for fun over summer break. Even as a young tike, Mikey fell in love easy and was a true charmer. He achieved high academic scholar in elementary, middle and high school. As a teen, Michael came out of his shell and became a socialite connecting and making life-long friends. He graduated from Varina High School in 2005 as Class President. Following his parents example of scholastic achievement, Michael was a two-time graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a bachelors in Criminal Justice and Psychology in 2010. During his college career, Michael was initiated as a brother of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in 2007 and was known by his brothers as “Munch”. Michael served as chapter president in 2008-2009 and chapter advisor in later years. Michael would go on to earn a law degree from the University of the District of Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law in 2013. In 2012, Michael began his work in public affairs, serving as a legal intern for the DC Council, policy analyst for the Tim Kaine for US Senate campaign, and research fellow for the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. The following year, Michael worked as a policy analyst for Terry McAuliffe’s gubernatorial campaign and in 2014, Michael joined the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs as a graduate research and teaching assistant, leading Michael to pursue a doctorate degree in public policy and administration at the Wilder School. In 2017, Michael joined the US Government Accountability Office as a policy analyst. And most recently served as Assistant Commonwealth Attorney of Louisa County as well as provided legal counsel while serving on the New Covenant Church board of Trustees. On November 11, 2017, Michael married his longtime companion Taylor Thomas of Williamsburg and became the devoted father of Mila, 3, and Mason, 1, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Michael cherished playing dolls and getting daily surprises for his princess Mila. He also studied to replicate all animal sounds and various songs to make sure Mason was fully entertained and happy. Michael always talked about being a father and since becoming one took pride in making sure his family had everything they needed and more. Michael enjoyed various hobbies to include traveling, reading, maintaining the “gym” life, but most importantly spending quality time with his family and loved ones. Michael LaMont Perkins, Esquire, forever beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, distinguished public servant, and admired member of the Richmond community. Michael LaMont Perkins led a life dedicated to family, faith, leadership, and service and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his beautiful wife, Taylor Thomas-Perkins; his beloved children, Mila and Mason Perkins; forever loving parents, Michael and Cynthia Perkins; always devoted siblings, Angel, Justin (Farida) and Jeremy Perkins; loving and beautiful nieces, Leah Michelle and Laila and handsome nephew Tatum Perkins; proud grandparents, Virginia Robinson and Robert and Jerry Perkins; Mother in Law, Regina Ihsane and Grandmother in Law “Nana”, Iris Jimmerson; loving Godmother, Wanda Reynolds, God Sister and Brother, Danielle Sarbo and Frank Perkins Jr.; God-Daughter, Shayla and a host of devoted relatives, brothers, colleagues, friends, and church family.

Tributes

Michael Lamont Perkins,Esq.

April 30, 1987 - February 21, 2023