Beatrice E. Cumberbatch

A Brief Story of "Ma"

Beatrice Elizabeth Atkins was the second of four children born, to the late Eddie Atkins from Emporia, Virginia and Mary Wilkinson from Barbados, West Indies. She was born on October 10, 1926 and had had three siblings: Beryl, Amy and Etta, who are now deceased.
Sometime, in July, 1948, Beatrice met Hubert Cumberbatch while working in the garment industry. On February 19, 1956, they would marry and would remain married until his untimely death on December 12, 1979. Beatrice and Hubert had one child, Stephen born as the result of this union.
Beatrice later worked for the City of New York for many years, starting her career at the Central Office-Department of Welfare in Manhattan, which is now the Department of Social Services. After promoting to the title of Administrative Associate, Beatrice began working at the Queens Welfare Center in Long Island City, where she supervised a group of workers whose job it was to interview clients to determine eligibility for public assistance. She remained there until her retirement in 1988.
Thereafter, Beatrice, affectionately known as "Granny", spent her time caring for her grandchildren, Omar, Dena and Rohan. This enabled her son, Stephen and her daughter-in-law, Yvette, to work to secure a better life. She had a selfless devotion to family, and felt an overwhelming responsibility to care for her siblings, Amy and Beryl when they were no longer able to care for themselves.
If Beatrice had a true passion, it was shopping. Any, and every kind of shopping. Sewing was a close second. She always seemed to have a good sense of fashion and was terrific at accessorizing. Beatrice also enjoyed reading, loved music and also used to sing. A friend recently described her as easy going and quick to smile.
Beatrice departed this life on Saturday, May 24, 2014. She is survived by her son Stephen Hubert Cumberbatch, daughter-in-law, Yvette Majorie Cumberbatch; grandchildren Omar Stephan Cumberbatch and wife Jennifer Carbone-Cumberbatch, Dena Yvette Powell and husband Kobie Powell, Rohan Hubert-Allan Cumberbatch and fiancée Abigail Ottley; great grandchildren, Tytiona Elizabeth Coleman, Amari Powell and Aleah Marie Powell; two nephews, Chris Cumberbatch and wife Tammy Cumberbatch, Michael Woods and wife Carol Woods; nieces, Brenda Woods, Diane Woods-Reyes and husband John Reyes, Janet Woods; grand nieces Kadesha Woods, Talia Cumberbatch; grand nephews Andwar Woods, Tory Woods, Jermaine Reyes, Jerell Reyes, Ray Cumberbatch; great grand nephew Chase Joseph Reyes (C.J.); sister-in-law Harriet Cumberbatch; "co-grandma" in-law Olga Mahabeer; a multitude of other relatives, and many devoted friends.


She will be missed dearly by all. Please celebrate her life. Know that she is now at peace and in a better place.