JoAnn Burriss Atkinson

JoAnn Burriss Atkinson, 88, of Calhoun Falls, SC, wife of the late William Douglas Atkinson, died Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Hospice House in Greenwood, SC. She was born in Calhoun Falls to the late Joel Monroe Burriss and Allie Mae Adams Burriss.

A graduate of Calhoun Falls High School in 1954, Mrs. Atkinson furthered her education at Winthrop College, earning her degree in 1958. She devoted 30 years of her career to the Abbeville County School District, where she touched the lives of countless students, instilling in them a love for learning and nurturing their potential. Mrs. Atkinson found joy in spending time with her family, creating lasting memories that her loved ones will cherish forever. She was a devoted member of the Calhoun Falls Methodist Church and the Golden Age Club in Calhoun Falls. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mrs. Atkinson is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl Broadwell (Bert) of Calhoun Falls, SC, Lynn Kato (Miyuki) of Mason, OH and Laura Boyd of Greenwood, SC; nine grandchildren, Christy Moore (Thomas), Derek Adams (Sophia), Misaki Kato (MacKenzie), Miharu Kato, Sayaka Kato, Jack Boyd (Liza), Sam Boyd, Holley Broadwell (Brandon Beaty) and Trey Broadwell (Whitney); nine great-grandchildren, Ren Moore, Wyatt Moore, Joanna Adams, Raylan Adams, Lola Kato, Cyrus Kato, Jane Boyd, Brody Graham and Bennett Broadwell.

The family will receive friends 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Calhoun Falls Methodist Church. A celebration of Mrs. Atkinson’s life will begin at 2:00PM in the church sanctuary.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Mrs. Atkinson, may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649.

The family is at the home of Mrs. Atkinson.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Calhoun Falls Chapel is assisting the Atkinson family.