Mrs. Betty E. Perkins Upchurch Malz
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Mrs. Betty E. Perkins Upchurch Malz

  • November 6, 1929 - February 4, 2012
  • Clearwater, Florida
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Memories & Candles

“I was 8 or 9 years old when I met Betty. She and my mom became fast friends as they bonded over their love for horses while Carl and Betty were...Read More » ”
1 of 38 | Posted by: Cheryl Slack McGirr - Cedar Park, TX

me and my daughter “I never met Betty but I first read MY GLIMPSE OF ETERNITY as a young person & then gave my book to my aunt who was dying of cancer. I found another...Read More » ”
2 of 38 | Posted by: Joyce Anthony Huff - NJ - n/a

“One time while working at the Lundstrom MInistry in Sisseton, SD Betty and Gloria Lundstrom needed to go to Minneapolis for meetings one crisp fall...Read More » ”
3 of 38 | Posted by: Edward Arness - Leavenworth, WA

“It's been fun to read through all these tributes and remember (as if I needed to be reminded!) what an amazing person Betty was. Pink mashed potatoes...Read More » ”
4 of 38 | Posted by: Jane Campbell - Fairfax, VA

“For April: She will always be in your heart - there is no distance between you now...she is ever more available to talk to. Our Mothers love us...Read More » ”
5 of 38 | Posted by: Beth Arsenault - Suwanee, GA

“I have been thinking about Betty for the last month, keep thinking about calling her. It is 5am and I just sat up in bed, grabbed the iphone and...Read More » ”
6 of 38 | Posted by: Jim Arnett - IN - Friend

“Aunt Betty was an incredible woman who loved & supported me unconditionally. I am grateful that I was able to spend time with her while I lived in...Read More » ”
7 of 38 | Posted by: Shanda Perkins - Nashville, TN

“Thank you for your life of consistency, grace and love for Jesus Christ. What an impression and role model for students attending Trinity Bible...Read More » ”
8 of 38 | Posted by: Tracey Carlson - Cleveland, TN

“I have such wonderful memories of Betty and Carl when we all served together at Trinity Bible College in the 1980s, I felt a kindred spirit with...Read More » ”
9 of 38 | Posted by: Marilyn Kingsriter - Ellendale , ND

“Keeping all of you in our prayers. April your mom has always been an inspiration to all. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you. ”
10 of 38 | Posted by: Susan Henry - sisseton, SD

“This world is a sadder place without the laughter of our beloved sister and friend. She has gone to Heaven the second time and this time she gets to...Read More » ”
11 of 38 | Posted by: Sharon Perkins - Hilliard, FL

“I will always treasure the moments I spent with dear Betty when she lived in the big house in Springfield and later came to speak for us at Central...Read More » ”
12 of 38 | Posted by: Johnna Wheeler - Irving, TX

“April, My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of your friends and family that loved and shared...Read More » ”
13 of 38 | Posted by: Sarah Shillington - Oak Park, IL

“Our dear friend and sister in Christ was one of those people you may meet in a lifetime who had the wonderful ability to lift spirits, encourage as...Read More » ”
14 of 38 | Posted by: John n' Pam Coyne - Holiday, FL

“I will miss my Aunt Betty ”
15 of 38 | Posted by: Kevin Glenn Perkins - Tucson, AZ

“Dearest "Aunt Betty", Heaven has truly gained one of its shiniest angels. Your spark, love, warmth and light has touched everyone you've come in...Read More » ”
16 of 38 | Posted by: Maggie McDonald - New Port Richey, FL

“I am sorry for your loss, but grateful that Betty is no longer suffering. She has left the race and has moved to the stands to cheer the rest of us...Read More » ”
17 of 38 | Posted by: Tempe Brown - Greenville, SC

“Dear Carl and family, We have many fond memories of Betty. May God comfort you at this time. We know that you will miss her. I was just reading her...Read More » ”
18 of 38 | Posted by: Betty Jo Hvistendahl - Ellendale, ND

“April, So sorry to hear of your loss. She sounded like a remarkable woman. May your good memories sustain you. She is now at peace. ”
19 of 38 | Posted by: Bobbi Richardson - Indianapolis, IN

“Betty left an imprint on us that can never be erased. Being in her presence made you certain of the hand of God upon her. And the blessing in her cup...Read More » ”
20 of 38 | Posted by: Carol and Bob Love - Mentor, OH

“We are saddened by your loss, but excited that Betty now is getting more than a "glimpse of eternity"- she is finally home! Carl and family... We...Read More » ”
21 of 38 | Posted by: Don Railey - Lilburn, GA - Friend

“I met Betty while my ex-husband was attending Trinity Bible College. My sister had passed away and I didn't think I could stand another day without...Read More » ”
22 of 38 | Posted by: Rhonda Hughes - Huntsville, TX

“Once Betty said that she was at an airport traveling to a meeting.....and after she had been to the bathroon....she was walking through the airport...Read More » ”
23 of 38 | Posted by: Debra Easterby - Pasadena, TX

“Betty will be greatly missed but she ran the race so well and left a tremendous impact on the world for Christ. She is rejoicing today in the...Read More » ”
24 of 38 | Posted by: Bruce Beck - Indianapolis, IN

“Betty was such an encourager! I spent lots of hours in her home in Ellendale ND getting to know her. I can still hear her sweet voice and that great...Read More » ”
25 of 38 | Posted by: Bonnie (Swartzentruber) Rueb & Jeff Rueb - AZ

“I was sorry to hear of the passing of Betty today. I attended Trinty when her husband Carl Malz was the vice president I think they called him....Read More » ”
26 of 38 | Posted by: Becky Gehrls - East Grand Forks, MN

“Betty was one of the classiest ladies I've ever known. I still read "Morning Jam Sessions" regularly and enjoy anything she wrote. It took her...Read More » ”
27 of 38 | Posted by: Barb (Swartzentruber) McLennan - AZ

“What a blessing was this amazing woman. And she now enjoys the presence of the Lord and Savior she so faithfully followed and adored. Blessings to...Read More » ”
28 of 38 | Posted by: Rochelle Dugger - St. John, WA

“What a beautiful godly woman Betty was. She inspired so many at Trinity by her passion, her zeal, her love for God and her encouraging insights. Our...Read More » ”
29 of 38 | Posted by: Byron Simar - IA

“Betty Malz was an amazing woman. She was always so elegant, yet so approachable and down to earth. It was always a joy and inspiration to hear her...Read More » ”
30 of 38 | Posted by: Dawn and Robin Storer - ND

“We were given Betty's book, "My Glimpse of Eternity" when Jim's dad passed away -- it was comforting at that time. We then became friends and co...Read More » ”
31 of 38 | Posted by: Moira and Jim Hernando - MO

John Carlin 2007 “May we see each other in the resurrection. ”
32 of 38 | Posted by: John Carlin - Madison, WI

“Betty has provided deep encouragement by her faith and testimony. Her example at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND impacted our lives then, and...Read More » ”
33 of 38 | Posted by: Charles Springer - Toledo, OR

“I remember her beautiful voice. She sang at our wedding. ”
34 of 38 | Posted by: Janet Long - Terre Haute,, IN

“Betty was a blessing to all of us at Christ Church of Palm Harbor. She was always pleasant and uplifting. She will be missed. ”
35 of 38 | Posted by: Dawn Raymond - spring hill, FL

“Betty was has been and will continue to be an inspiration to me. I've loved her since I was a child. She and her husband Johnny invited my mom and...Read More » ”
36 of 38 | Posted by: Catherine Wallen Wiles-Selm - IN

“Dennis and I were privileged to be students of Sister Malz's at Trinity during the mid 70's. She was an amazing teacher and inspiration! We hold...Read More » ”
37 of 38 | Posted by: Dennis and Bonnie Schaler - Neche, ND

“The entire staff of Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home extends our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. ”
38 of 38 | Posted by: Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home - FL


Betty E. Perkins Upchurch Malz

Betty E. Perkins Upchurch Malz, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on February 4th following a period of declining health. Betty was born on November 6, 1929 in Terre Haute, Indiana to G. Glenn and Fern R.(Burns) Perkins. Betty attended Otter Creek High School in Terre Haute where she was a proud member of the girls basketball team. Although she was a Hoosier through and through, Betty fell in love with Florida after having lived there through the late 50's and 60's. She was able to achieve the dream of moving back to the beautiful Florida coast in 1985 where she settled in Crystal Beach.

Betty was a Christian bestselling author of over 10 books and a well-known speaker. Her bestselling books include "My Glimpse of Eternity," "Angels Watching Over Me," and "Prayers That Are Answered." Betty attended Christ Church in Palm Harbor where her father Glenn Perkins was the pastor in the 1960's when the church was named Palm Harbor Assembly of God. In addition to her love of family and faith, she loved playing and watching basketball, collies, cats, horses, MG cars, writing, and the beach. Betty will be lovingly remembered for her spunky personality and love of all things bright and beautiful. A tall and elegant woman, she had a real panache for clothing and jewelry and loved working at a small boutique, Tissy's, in Palm Harbor when she wasn't busy writing or enjoying the beach. A fun loving and outgoing woman, Betty will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her first husband John W. Upchurch; daughter Brenda L. (Upchurch) Smart; parents G. Glenn and Fern R. (Burns) Perkins, and brothers Bobby Gene Perkins, and Donald Perkins. Betty is survived in death by husband Carl A. Malz of Clearwater, Florida; daughter April Upchurch of Indianapolis, Indiana; and brothers Jim (Bobbie) Perkins of Georgetown, Texas, Marvin (Sharon) Perkins of Hilliard, Florida, and Gary (Beverly) Perkins of Montgomery, Texas; stepson Carl D. (Diane) Malz of Bardstown, Kentucky; stepdaughters Carol (Jack) Acuff of Grand Junction, Colorado, Connie (Charles) Blasdell of Rapid City, South Dakota. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grand children.

A private family viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 8th from 9:00 - 9:30 AM followed by a public viewing and visitation from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida. The Reverend Karen Siddle will preside over the memorial service, which will begin at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will immediately follow the memorial service.