Helen Winter Atkinson

ATKINSON, Helen Winter, 79, departed this life peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2008 in the company of her loving husband, David Leigh "Tex" at her home of over fifty years in Highland Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian John and Bessie Broach Winter; six brothers, Joe, Jack, Herbert, Louis, Al and Bernard Winter; and two sisters, Mabel Brauer and Dot Evans. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of over 59 years, Tex; and her nine children, David Atkinson Jr., Mary Lee Gay and husband, Bery, Daniel Atkinson, Tommy Atkinson and wife, Linda, Carol Lewellyn and husband, Bryan, Becky Atkinson of Plymouth, Minnesota, Barbara Lewis and husband, Robbie, Rob Atkinson and wife, Megan of Seattle, Washington, and Amy Gustafson and husband, Dave; her grandchildren, Chip Gay and wife, Michelle, Ginny Gay, Andrew Gay, Allie, Kate and Claire Lewis, Jordan Payne and Cassidy Gustafson, Hannah Atkinson, Shannon Hodge and Patrick George, Caroline, Wil, and Molly Atkinson; and great-granddaughter, Caroline Gay will always lovingly remember their "No-No". She is also survived by her brothers, Frank and Warren Winter; and sister, Jessie Fisher. Helen graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1947 then married her high school sweetheart, Tex, in 1949 and together they started their family of nine children, which she considered her greatest accomplishment. Her children learned the value of hard work, 'penny-pinching' and resourcefulness by her example. She supported and guided them throughout their lives: expressing her love by sewing and mending their clothes, cooking delicious meals, and helping them with their homework. A member of St. John's Catholic Church for over 70 years, her faith remained a constant source of inspiration and comfort throughout her life and in her relationships with others. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 9, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the Nelsen Funeral Home, Laburnum Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. the following day at St. John's Catholic Church. Burial will immediately follow at Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Catholic Church, 811 W Nine Mile Rd., Highland Springs, Va. 23075.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.