Deacon Charles Edward Atkins

Deacon Charles Edward Atkins transitioned from his earthly home on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a resident of Harvey, LA, he was born to the late William and Elvira E. Atkins.

Deacon Atkins was a dedicated member of the Greater Morning Star Church of Algiers.
Bro. Atkins retired from the United States Treasury Department and served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Command Sergeant Major. Sublime Prince Charles E. Atkins, 32°, was a member of A.A.S.R.F.M. under the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of LA.

Cherishing his memories are his wife, Debra Albert Atkins; sons, Charles Edward Atkins II and Quinten David Atkins; brother, William P. Atkins; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Greater Morning Star Church of Algiers, 1242 Vallette St., New Orleans, LA 70114.
Visitation: 9:00 AM; Masonic Burial Ceremony: 9:30 AM; Service: 10:00 AM.
Bishop W.L. Littleton, Officiant.
Interment: Southeast LA Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, LA 70460.

Military Honors will be awarded to Deacon Charles Edward Atkins.

Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.

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The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalms 37:23-24

Excellence as a Son

Charles Atkins' quest for Excellence Journey began, on Sunday, October 5,1952, when
he was welcomed into his parents' William and Elvira E. Atkins heart. He was the joy of
their life, along with his brothers Curklin and Phillip Atkins. From childhood to adulthood
he was in constant pursuit to become an excellent son, who would make his parents
very proud. Ironically, Charles celebrated his 73rd Birthday on Sunday, October 5, 2025,
and his Quest for Excellence Journey ended as he was summoned by God's Angels, on
Tuesday, October 21, 2025. His lord said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord". Matthews 25:21 "Mission Accomplished"
Excellence through Education.

Charles Atkins was a firm believer in the power of applied knowledge and in the
necessity of education as a means to achieve personal success. Throughout his pursuit
of academic achievement, he always strived for excellence. He was a lifelong learner
and a proud product of the Orleans Parish School System, culminating in his graduation
from Alcee Fortier High School, Class of 1971, with honors. His continued drive for
personal excellence and success led him to collegiate pursuits at Southern University at
New Orleans, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting. His
accomplishment in 1979 paved a path and set a legacy for his children and
grandchildren to follow in those same footsteps. In his words, "We, the Atkins, we go to school and we graduate!" He spoke proudly and often of the accomplishments of his family, but never allowed them to slip into complacency. In his words, "Failure is never
an option!"

Excellence as a Provider

On December 9,1972, Charles E. Atkins and Debra Albert were wed in holy matrimony,
a union that lasted 53 years - a testament to time, resilience, and life's realities. This
union produced two outstanding sons, Charles II and Quinten. He lived his life
unapologetically when it came to his family. He would often say, "Son, it's family first!"
This statement will now take on a different, deeper meaning for me. To know my father
was to understand how important his wife, children, and grandchildren were to him.
With his family being first in his life, failure was never an option. Although all of his
pursuits and endeavors were important, being a successful husband, father, grandfather, and accomplished provider meant the most to him. His efforts as a provider were unmatched in the eyes of his family. The lessons he conveyed were priceless.
In his last conversation with me, he said, "Always make sure that the family has
everything it needs, not everything it wants." I now understand what he truly meant:
always be prepared for tomorrow, because tomorrow will come whether you are ready
or not. His continued strides toward personal growth, family growth, perseverance, and
excellence were the motivators that allowed him to complete the assignment of life - a
task he never wavered from and never failed.

Excellence Through Christ

While being a congregational member of Greater Morning Star Church of Algiers, Bro.
Atkins accepted a higher calling from the Lord and became Deacon Atkins. The title of
"Deacon" was not something he wore for recognition or accolades; rather, he viewed it
as an opportunity to deepen his relationship with Christ and to serve as a spiritual
leader to his family. He carried out his duties as deacon with pride and passion - you
could feel it in his prayers during Sunday service and hear it in his voice when he spoke the Word of the Lord. Deacon Atkins was a faithful member and a well-respected elder of Greater Morning Star, but above all, he was a faithful servant of the Lord.
Excellence Through Duty, Discipline, and Decorum

Retired Command Sergeant Major Charles Atkins served with distinction in the United
States Army Reserve, including assignments with the 377th Theater Sustainment
Command (TSC) and the 469th Finance Group. Putting on his uniform was always a
proud moment for him - a presence that commanded respect. He served his country
with honor, dedication, and passion. He was honored with numerous medals and awards for his outstanding achievements. He also retired from the United States Treasury Department, where he carried out his duties and responsibilities as a federal agent with the utmost seriousness. He believed deeply in the law, firmly held that right and wrong had no gray areas, and lived by the principle that a man is only as good as his word. Sublime Prince Charles E. Atkins, 32°, was a member of A.A.S.R.F.M. under the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of Louisiana. He was an active and dedicated member of his Masonic organization, cherishing the brotherly bonds he held dear.
Through acts of service and devotion, he found another path to demonstrate duty and
commitment. The pride and honor of being a member were deeply meaningful to him,
and he always felt privileged to serve within this esteemed organization.

Going Home

Throughout his life, Charles E. Atkins exemplified duty, discipline, and decorum in every role he embraced - as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; as a faithful
servant of the Lord; as a proud soldier and federal servant; and as a committed member
of his Masonic fraternity. His unwavering dedication, integrity, and love for family and
community created a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. In every
action, he lived by his principles, leaving a life defined by honor, service, and
excellence.
Cherishing his memories are his loving wife, Debra Albert Atkins; sons, Charles Edward
Atkins II and Quinten David Atkins; brother, William P. Atkins; five grandchildren,
Trenecia Nettles, Whitney Perry, Charai Atkins, Chance Atkins, and Chase Raymond; seven great-grandchildren, Marcus Hodge II, Gabrielle Atkins, My' Lynn and Harlei Smith,
Carter Atkins, Marleigh Perry, and Jru Smith; sisters-in- law, Jeanette Robinson and
Victoria Thompson (Israel); brother-in-law, James Davis (Patricia); caring friends, Leslie
and Cynthia Lane; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elvira E. Atkins; his
grandparents, Rankin and Viola D. Evans; brother, Curklin Atkins; sister-in-law, Michelle
Atkins; and brother-in-law, Ernest Robinson Jr.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing". 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Until we meet again, your Quest for Excellence Legacy will live on in all of us!