Tenby recently lost another of the town’s well known personalities. Edith Mary Perkins, known to everyone as Molly, passed away peacefully at Ridgeway Care Home in Llawhaden in the early hours of Friday 13th July aged 89 years.

Molly was born on 4th March 1929 at 35 Newell Hill to parents William and Edith Davies. She was the third of four children and was predeceased by her brothers, Jack and William, and her sister Irene.

She enjoyed a wonderful childhood at Newell Hill playing with children from other well known Tenby families including the Powlings, the Uphams, the Creeses, the Lewis’ and the Thomas’ amongst others.

After leaving school aged 15, Molly commenced employment on the sweet counter at Woolworths in Tudor Square. She gained several promotions and eventually retired in 1989 as a supervisor. For many years Woolworths was the hub of the town centre and consequently Molly was well known to most locals and many visitors as a jovial, reliable and helpful member of staff.

It was whilst working at Woolworths that Molly met her future husband Sonny Perkins, a Tenby lad who was home on leave from the Army. Initially, Molly was not too keen on Sonny and it was some time before she agreed to their first date. After courting for a few years, Molly and Sonny married on 29th September 1951 and, prior to Sonny’s passing, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Molly and Sonny commenced married life living with her mother for a short period and then for around four years in rooms with Ian and Cassie Griffiths in Trafalgar Road. In 1956, they moved to a new flat in Knowling Mead before moving on to Tyssul Court when it was built in 1983.

In 1955, Sonny and Molly were blessed with daughter Janice. After school, Janice moved to work in London and married Barry Headland. Tragically Janice died in 1983 aged just 28 years. This was a very low point in the lives of Molly & Sonny.

It is said that every successful man needs a strong woman. Sonny who died on 26th July last year was one of Tenby’s great characters. He played rugby for Tenby United for many years and was also a very competent golfer.

However, Molly was Sonny’s rock throughout their married life. They were a devoted couple who spent most of their spare time together. They enjoyed many holidays, the last foreign excursion being to Italy in 2000.

Molly enjoyed excellent health up until around 18 months or so ago when she suffered a fall whilst returning from Withybush Hospital after visiting Sonny. Molly never really recovered from this tumble which, combined with a broken heart, unfortunately contributed to her passing.

Molly was always extremely close to her son-in-law Barry, together with her grandchildren Carris and her partner Dan and Thomas and his wife Kelly and their baby son Theo. Indeed, Molly idolised Carris and Thomas and the feelings were mutual.

Molly’s popularity was exemplified by the sizeable congregation which attended her funeral at St Mary’s Church on Tuesday 24th July. The service was compassionately conducted by Canon Andrew Grace. Longstanding friend, Ian Nicholls, read from the Corinthians and Barry Headland delivered a wonderful tribute to of Molly. Molly’s bearers were Barry Headland, Thomas Headland, Karl Smith, Dan Bude, Richard Ormond and Stephen Nicholls. Following the service, Molly’s cremation took place at Parc Gwyn.

There were family flowers only and donations in lieu can be made to Tenby Cottage Ward of Park House Court c/o W and M J Rossiter and Sons, Funeral Directors of Tenby.

Molly leaves to mourn son-in-law Barry and his wife Gill, grandson Thomas and his wife Kelly and their young son Theo, brother-in-law Derek, sisters-in-law Sheila and Julie together with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces including Myrna, Lexa and her son Paul, Linzi and Jane, Stephen and his wife Jan, Kate, Billy and Brian, Ronnie, Helen and her husband Roger, Edward and Harriet (Australia), Glyn, David and Joy, Joanne and Justin, Jenny and Rebecca, Rhoda and Paul and Harold (Canada) together with their children and families. Special mention must be made of Molly’s excellent neighbours and friends, Raymond and Jess.