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Hannah Atkins Obituary
ATKINS HANNAH DIGGS ATKINS On Thursday, June 17, 2010. First African American Woman elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. Beloved mother of Valerie A. Alexander, Edmund and Charles Atkins; devoted grandmother of Damien Atkins and Anand Alexander; great-grandmother of Neena Malik Atkins; sister of Jessie D. Kearney, Gloria D. Banks and Dr. Edward O. Diggs, Sr. She is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends. Services for Mrs. Atkins will take place in Oklahoma City, OK. Interment Trice Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK. Services by STEWART.
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Memories and Condolences
for Hannah Atkins
May 25, 2018
Monte Cary
August 2, 2016
I met Hannah on several occasions. I always admired and respected her and her tireless work. She and her husband, Dr. Charles Atkins, both honored me by being loyal patrons at my drugstore, Cary's Drug, for many years. She was a great woman, and inspiration to many, including myself. I will never forget her noble countenance and quiet dignity. Rest in peace, Dear Lady. You will always be sorely missed and loved!
Marie Evans
August 18, 2010
I just heard about Hannah's death. I interned with her in the Legislature, as part of my MSW degree. I was very fond of her, and respected her enormously. Her life was a beacon in the darkness.
George/Rhuea France, III
June 25, 2010
We were honored and humbled in the presence of Hannah, during our time in Oklahoma City. (1967-1983] We did see her a few times, during later visits. She always greeted us with a warm smile and a feeling of friendship. To the family, we express our deepest sympathy. She certainly left a legacy that you can always cherish.
Audrey Colbert
June 25, 2010
I had the honor of working for Mrs. Atkins during the time she was a member of the House of Representatives. She was an exceptional woman and I admired her . I learned a lot from her about politics and about life in general and cherished the time I spent working with her. Whenever you saw her and spoke with her she was always the same. Her smile could light up a room. Very classy and down to earth at the same time. I will certainly miss her and offer my heartfelt sympanty to her family. AJ Colbert (Oklahoma City)
Astrid Lee
June 24, 2010
Hannah inspired me and many others in the 1970's' women's movement wherein we fought in vain for the ERA. I remember her intelligence, grace and dedication fondly. There are not many such outstanding political leaders from Oklahoma as Hannah.
Ida Blackburn
June 24, 2010
Hannah was very special to me. She was on my TVprogram "The Ida B. Show" in the sixties and seventies. I am very sad that we have lost a GREAT LADY!
Ida B. Blackburn
June 24, 2010
I want to express my sincerest condolences to the Atkins family. Mrs. Atkins was an inspriration to me as I was growing up and an exceptional leader! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Chris Mathews
Vernona Dismuke
June 24, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Atkins family. We missed seeing you when you moved. Rest in peace.
Tom and Judy Wenthold
June 23, 2010
We were introduced to Hannah through a mutual friend, Roy Hardmond, years ago.
Her accomplishments in life were numerous, and her friendship was priceless.
God rest her soul.
Job well done, Hannah.
Minerva Pendleton-Sanders
June 22, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Atkins Family.
Growing up in Oklahoma City, your mother, among others in the 60s served as a role model for myself and others. She exemplified the strong but compassionate characteristic of a Black Woman, mother and leader. God has called home a very special person. Her works speak volumes and she will be remembered for all of her firsts.
June 21, 2010
Hannah Atkins was a wonderful person and a dear friend. Both my husband, Gene,and I thought so highly of her. I remember when she first ran for the House 97 seat. It was such an accomplishment to win that seat in those days--and that was just the beginning of an illustrious career. My sympathy to all her family. Doli Mathews
Oscar Jackson
June 21, 2010
On behalf of the Oklahoma City/Norman Chapter of the University of Oklahoma Black Alumni Society and Friends, please accept our heartfelt condolences upon the passing of the Honorable Hannah Atkins. Ms. Atkins was the recipient of the Chapter's inaugural "Trail Blazer" award for University of Oklahoma African American alumni and friends who have truly made a difference in their community and profession. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Hannah Atkins.
Rebekah Zahn
June 21, 2010
Mrs. Atkins was one of my favorite professors at UCO. My favorite classes would be when she told about her experiences at the Capital. My deepest sympathy to the Atkins family.
Bill White
June 20, 2010
My mother, LaRuth Anderson, was a long time friend and secretary to Hannah Atkins. Ms. Atkins was a very gracious person and a true friend to all who knew her. She attended my mother's funeral in September 1990 to comfort our family.
Loyce Varallyay
June 20, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful woman. Due to a fluke in work scheduling, I was able to attend hearings on women's rights facillitated by Mrs. Atkins. She was not fooled by the overweening numbers of females employed and went for the facts which were that no virtually no women were executives at the then Department of Human Services.
Loyce Varallyay
The Prewitt Family
June 20, 2010
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to family members and many friends during this most difficult time. Mrs. Atkins will be missed dearly by all who knew her and will live forever in our hearts.
Joann Bell
June 19, 2010
Oklahoma has lost a great lady in every sense of the word. Hannah Atkins never compromised her values and had the respect of fair-minded people wherever she went. She was an wonderful example and inspiration to so many people, myself included.
Joann Bell, Executive Director
ACLU of Oklahoma Foundation
June 19, 2010
Although I only knew Hannah for about 13 years, I felt a kinship with her. I nominated her for the Leadership Oklahoma Lifetime Achievement Award and during that process, my respect for her deepened. We kept in touch until about 2 years ago. I would send her the Oklahoma Legislative Directory and she would call to thank me. I hope that a historian visited with her about the ERA years and her thoughts on why the legislature would not do what was right and pass it. I wish I had known her doing those years. Kathy Jones - Bentonville, Arkansas (formerly of OKC)
Carl Twidwell
June 19, 2010
The first year I served in the House of Representatives it was a privilege to be seated with Hanna. She called me COACH or TWID. She knew I had coached at Star Spencer high school. I can't begin to tell you how much help she was to the old coach. I loved Hanna and I know she is in God's hands now. Carl Twidwell
George & Marilee Tomek
June 19, 2010
I had the opportunity and pleasure of working with Representative Atkins over the years as a Capitol reporter on a number of issues. She was, is and will remain THE role model for all elected public policy makers. Hannah spoke softly, but like Teddy Roosevelt, one knew she carried with it a sharp wit and the will to get things accomplished - no matter what.
My wife had the opportunity of serving a year in the '70's as Hannah's secretarial assistant. She joins me in conveying our deep sympathies to the Atkkins family in this loss to all Oklahomans.
Anthony Francisco
June 18, 2010
To know that a family friend could achieve such greatness made me realize at a young age that greatness was able to be grasped.
Love to the family.
Jan Lovell
June 18, 2010
I knew Hannah Atkins for many years, and each year she gave me new reasons to expand my affection and respect for her.
An accomplished person and public servant, she made life in Oklahoma better for her presence. Requiscat in Pace. Hannah!
Jerry Martinez
June 18, 2010
An inspiration to her community and state. Oklahoma was honored to have Hannah Atkins represent our state. Our deepest condolences to the Atkins Family.
June 18, 2010
She was a family friend and my inspiration. I am so very sad. A true national treasure.
Andrea Pringle
June 18, 2010
She was a family friend and my inspiration. I am so very sad. A true national treasure.
Mike Waldrep
June 18, 2010
My condoleces to the Atkins family.
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