Mary Clay Coleman Atkinson

Mary Clay Coleman Atkinson died on November 8, 2022 with her children at her bedside. Known as "Meme", a childhood nickname and then grandmother name, she was loved by her family and friends.

Meme was born on December 3, 1928, in Roanoke, VA and spent most of her childhood and adult life as a dancer. She graduated in 1945 from Our Lady of Nazareth and studied ballet and tap at Floyd Ward School of Dance in Roanoke and later in New York City at Ballet Arts. According to her grandchildren, she was a NYC Rockette (she auditioned but her mother wouldn't let her stay in the city as a young woman).

She was a devoted mother to her four children and gave round-the-clock care to her oldest daughter, Sara Kendall, who had Cerebral Palsy. Meme was advised to place her daughter in a home because of her disabilities but she would not hear of it and kept "Sissy" at home with the family until she died at the age of 11.

After moving back to Roanoke from Houston, TX Meme spent her life loving and caring for her family, teaching dancing, and later going to work for Synder-Hunt Corporation. She was a single mother most of her life and sacrificed everything for her children, mother and invalid brother. She was known as the "Mayor" of Oak Crest Avenue where she lived for 50 years before moving to Richmond, VA to be near her family. She lived at St. Mary's Woods for 4 years and then moved to Our Lady of Hope where she died peacefully. The care she received was amazing and she knew she was safe and loved.

Meme is survived by her two sons Leigh "Rocky" Atkinson (Lesia) of Boulder, CO; Jeff Atkinson (Caroline) of Charlotte, NC; and her daughter Shawn Atkinson Watt (John D) of Richmond, VA. She was so proud of being a grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Dillard Watt (Jennica), Kendall Watt Omohundro (Blake), and Mary Clay Watt; Macon Atkinson, Sarah Jane Atkinson, Isaac Atkinson, Collin Atkinson, Emory Atkinson, Josephine Atkinson, Ben Atkinson, and great grandson to Baker Omohundro. She is survived by her loving sister, Sara Coleman Buchanan and a brother, Bob Coleman both of Roanoke.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richmond, VA on Thursday, January 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm followed by a committal the following day at St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery in Roanoke, VA at 1:00.

"Shine" Meme you were loved by all!