Perlene Marie Thurston

Perlene Marie Thurston, 78, of Oak Park, MI, passed away on April 6, 2025, at SKLD Nursing Home in West Bloomfield, MI. Born in Hamtramck, MI, on June 24, 1946, she was the daughter of Lucille Frances Smith Thurston Cole and Fester Richard Thurston.

Perlene graduated from Central High School in Detroit, MI in 1964 and moved to Los Angeles, CA, with her father in the late 1960s. A lifelong lover of the arts, she explored dance and painting, but her true passion was singing. She began her jazz career performing with her father and later participated in USO tours. As time went on, she transitioned away from music, becoming a legal secretary and, eventually, a mother.

After 13 years away from music, Perlene made a triumphant return to the stage, frequenting jam sessions at venues like JP's Lounge, The Money Tree, and Chadney's with her daughter in tow, where she quickly became a favorite among audiences and fellow musicians. Over the years, Perlene performed throughout Southern California and was an active member of multiple jazz societies, including those in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Following her mother Lucille's passing in 2014, Perlene returned to Michigan in 2015 and quickly reconnected with the local music scene, securing regular bookings at Nikola's in Southfield. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought an end to live entertainment at Nikola's, effectively ending Perlene's professional singing career.

In 2024, Perlene began a new chapter, performing at smaller events. After a captivating performance at her senior apartment building's Thanksgiving celebration, she was asked to perform at a resident holiday party and a friend's birthday party.

In early 2025, Perlene's health declined. She was hospitalized in February and later transferred to SKLD Nursing Home. Perlene's final days were filled with love and visits from her daughter, sisters, and friends.

Perlene was preceded in death by her parents Richard Thurston and Lucille (Frank) Cole, and her siblings Orlando "Poochie" (Vergie) Chandler and Beverly Fenny. She is survived by her daughter Alexandra “Xandi” Thurston; siblings Cheryl (William) Phillips, Lecia Allman, Michael (Lee) Cole, Brenda (James) Buford, Marita Wilson, and Kristie Briscoe; beloved cousins Kevin Cole, Juanita (John) Rainey, Esther (Steve) Hollings, brother in love Brian (Regina) Logan, and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, friends, and her dear music family.

Michigan Memorial: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2pm at Laurel Woods Clubhouse, 22200 Laurel Woods Ct., Southfield, MI 48034

California Memorial: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7pm at The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd. #101, Los Angeles, CA 90008