Shelva Perkins

Shelva Perkins departed this life October 16, 2021. Family will receive friends Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Columbus Chrisitan Center, 2300 North Cassady Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Shelva Jenice Perkins was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 7, 1973, to Thyra (Derek) Arnold, Robert Fountaine, and Bishop Melvin (Donna) Griffin. She gained her wings on October 16, 2021.  Shelva was blessed with a winning smiled that captivated everyone she encountered.

Shelva began her educational journey at Duxberry Elementary School, transitioning to Franklin Alternative Middle School where she began to establish life-long relationships with her peers. Shelva graduated from West High School in June of 1991 before enrolling into Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Central State in 1996 and MBA with high honors from Ohio Christian University in 2017.

Shelva’s most prize possession were her children; Deja Haraway, Sean Johnson, Shayla Johnson. Deja, her oldest Queen and best friend, Sean, her Son-shine and King, and her baby girl, Princess Shayla. Shelva’s unconditional love for her children was without question her ultimate goal to fulfill and maintain. Shelva was very intentional about the love and support she extended to her parents, as she was one who believed wholeheartedly to “Honor thy Father and thy Mother.” Shelva was the epitome of friendship with those who were fortunate enough to have gotten to know her. Her friends simply became family as Shelva knew no stranger. Shelva was very passionate about traveling the world, cooking, singing, and being pampered.

Shelva joined JP Morgan Chase & Co in 2005.  During her 16-year tenure with Chase, she held various positions in Home Lending, Auto, Credit Card and Banker Support.  In her last role she held a high-profile position in Commercial Banking as a Credit Support Specialist IV.  She was a member of BOLD and served on the Operating Committee as the Alumni Chair for the Women on the Move Program. She was honored to have completed the Columbus Courageous Leadership Development 2021 Spring Cohort program established for top performing employees. Shelva had a strong Operations background with the ability to extend into Financial and Business roles while utilizing her analytical, accuracy, and attention to details skills.

Shelva is preceded in death by her Grandparents; William and Vandola Perkins, John and Gladys Carmichael; Aunts, Joan Perkins, Pamela Perkins, Karen Griffin, Brenda Valentine, and her cousin; Lance Perkins.

Shelva leaves to cherish her children; Deja Haraway, Sean Johnson, Shayla Johnson; parents, Thyra (Derek) Arnold, Robert Fountaine, and Bishop Melvin (Donna) Griffin; sisters, ShaTonya (Ronald Sr.) Whatley, Leandra Towns, Carron (Herbie) Johnson, and Carla Fountaine; brothers, Andre Thompson, Melvyn (Sarah) Griffin, and Robert Fountaine Jr; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and a goddaughter.  She cherished her bond and special relationship with her nephews, Julian Griffin and Herbie “Tre” Johnson. 

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

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