Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Shirley Atkins Obituary
Shirley Wright Atkins VIRGINIA BEACH - Shirley W. Atkins of the 400 block of Southgate Ave. died Dec. 7, 2008, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. After her illness began, she resided with her children. Born in Princess Anne County, now Virginia Beach, she was a teacher with the Virginia Beach public school system. She retired after 37 years of service. She formerly taught at Princess Anne Training School, Kingston Elementary, Betty F. Williams and Princess Anne Middle School. She was a member of First Lynnhaven Baptist Church in Virginia Beach where she was the former hospitality chairperson, former music ministry adviser, choir member, member of the Utoka Height Mission and various other ministries in the church. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a member of the Woman's Social and Civic Club of Virginia Beach. A graduate of Elizabeth City State University, she was a member of the alumni association. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Atkins Sr.; mother, Marie M. Wright; and father, Frank Wright. She is survived by one son, Joseph Atkins Jr. (Frankie W. Atkins) of Virginia Beach; two stepdaughters, Rachael Williams and Paula Atkins, both of Anniston, Ala.; five grandchildren, Joseph Atkins III, Colby C. Atkins, Martel V. Williams, Shalea D. Atkins and Josiah Atkins; a special devoted sister, Barbara Valery; a devoted caregiver, William Coppage; loving sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in First Lynnhaven Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, the Rev. Ervin M. Scott presiding. Burial will be in Colonial Grove Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Community Funeral Home, Norfolk Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Atkins
Patricia Cason,Powell
December 14, 2008
We are family connected and I remember you as a child JoJo,I shall always remember your Mother I also sung inthe choir with her back in the day. My prayers are with you and the rest of the family,God bless....[Patricia Cason.Powell]
Tony & Gloria Stanton
December 14, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Bishop Bernard Williams
December 13, 2008
Joey,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your mother. I considered her a dear friend and treasure the years of very fond memories. We sang together, and at one point in time I played for the Choir # 2 in which she was a star attraction.
Take comfort in remembering the years of nurturing and love you were able to share with her. She will be greatly missed.
William Jr., Kimberly, William Sr., and Family Etheridge
December 13, 2008
Dear, Jo Jo
I Will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall presere thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
PSALM 121: 1-8
ERIK BROWN
December 12, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
F Sutton
December 12, 2008
Joe, Frankie, Tre, Colby & the rest of the Atkins/Wright Family,
Please know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are just a phone call away if you should need anything. Cherish the memories.
With Love,
Fiona, Tiger, Eleni & Chloe
Sherri DeJournette-Taylor
December 11, 2008
To Joseph Jr. and Family,
My family would like to extend our deepest sampthy to you and your family. For this time is very hard for you all and especially, this time of the year. However, keep your eyes on Jesus, and your trust in God, he will bring you all through this moment of sadness. Jo Jo your mother loved your dearly, and through the love she had for you, you made her a proud mother. So whenever you have a quite moment to yourself , take the time to think of all the good times you two shared and cherish those moments in your heart forever and you will find comfort, trust me I know. Family you all do the same, because she loved you all so dearly with all her heart, there is nothing she would or could not do for you all.
My family and I will miss her dearly, especially me, your mother tauguht me alot when I was growing up while I was a member at First Lynnhaven Baptist Church with my grandmother. My family and I will miss her smile and her lovely angelic siniging voice. I will always cherish those old gospel songs I love to hear her sing.
Take care Jo Jo and family, my family and I will keep you all in our prayers.
Gail (Turner) Burgess
December 11, 2008
To: JoJo and family
I am blessed to have known your mother. She was a wonderful person and will truly be missed. Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time. (Psalm 71:21)
Shirley M. George
December 11, 2008
To
Joseph, Frankie & Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mother was one of a kind. When she spoke everyone listened whether it was in the classroom, in the church or in the community groups of which she was a member. She had a very distinctive voice and manner but she was always a "lady" and always "did it her way". Please know that we loved her and will always remember her.
Shirley M. George & Sons
Virginia Education Association
National Education Association
Karen Etheridge
December 11, 2008
I am sorry for your lost, I will really miss my soror. She will be greatly missed. Love, Karen Etheridge
CARLETTE COOPER
December 11, 2008
"...Earth has no sorrows that heaven can not heal." JoJo and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, nothing is lost when you know where it is. Mrs. Atkins life speaks for her, certainly her walk with God and her commitment to Him is now being rewarded. God bless and keep you.
Lovingly submitted,
Carlette Henry-Cooper
Marjorie Dogan
December 11, 2008
To Joseph Jr. & Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marjorie Dogan & Family
Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan Adams
December 11, 2008
To the Atkins/Wright family: You have my prayers and heartfelt sympathy during this time of your lost. JoJo, I will cherish the memories I have of your mother and her family. She was an inspiration to me and I know she was to many others. Please know that God will keep you and your family as you go through this time of grief. Always keep Him first and He will surely continue to keep you. Janette Joyner Adams, Molena, Ga. former member of First Lynnhaven Baptist Church
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley Atkins's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley Atkins
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley Atkins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
