Bessie L. Atkinson

The family is receiving friends at the home of Mrs. Emma A. Harris.

In lieu of flowers,The Atkinson Family request that donations be made to Springfield Baptist Church for the purchase of new Bibles.

Please mail donations to:

                                           Springfield Baptist Church

                                          1320 Springfield Rd.

                                          Union Point, GA 30669

 

Bessie Louise Evans Atkinson departed this life on August 21, 2017. She was born July 10, 1925 in Robinson, GA to the late Casper T. Evans and Viola AtkinsonEvans. She was the last surviving sibling of eight children.

At an early age she gave her life to Christ and became a devout member of Springfield Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend A. R. Combs. For manyyears, Bessie served as the treasurer of the Atlanta Springfield Baptist Church Club which was founded to communicate with Springfield members who had moved to various parts of the country and solicit moneys for the upkeep and support of the church.  The club was finally dissolved when the president, Floyd Bowman, moved back to Springfield to live. 

Bessie attended Springfield Skill High School – graduated at 16 and attended Morris Brown College for two years before marrying at the age of 18 to the late John L. Atkinson, Sr.  From this union, they had 5 children; four sons and one daughter.

In 1950, she accompanied and supported her late husband in the establishment of George Washington Carver State Park; the first state park in the 50’s where Blacks could go for fun and recreation, commonly referred to as “The Beach”.  She fondly remembers hauling sand to create the beach and spending many long days and nights running the concession, assisting with the running of the park, and at the same time raising five small children.  Times were hard back then but she made it with the help of the good Lord.  We remember her quietly affirming, on many, many, occasions that, “God was in the plan and He will make a way”. 

Bessie loved people and inspired many in her life. She always believed in helping others. She welcomed so many into her home; her arms always open; her love and concern truly genuine. The song, “Reach Out and Touch Someone’s Hand; Make This World a Better Place If You Can”, was a favorite of hers and this was how she lived her life.

Bessie started a garden club in the Simpson Rd, Holly Street, West Lake area and kept it going for many years. She attended and graduated from the Beaumont School of Nursing. She was the faithful bookkeeper for the Holly Street Community Club from 1986 to 2017.  Bessie especially loved children. For 26 years she taught 1st and 2nd graders reading and math at Anderson Park, Center Hill, Grove Park, and Boyd elementary schools; retiring in 1994.

Bessie was preceded in death by her late husband, John L. Atkinson, Sr, and grandson Charles William “Trip” Atkinson.

She leaves to cherish her memories four sons and one daughter; John L. (Gwen) Atkinson, Jr., George W. (Tommie Ann) Atkinson, Emma L (George) Harris , Charles H. (Rose) Atkinson, William E. “Buddy” Atkinson; nine grandchildren, Adrienne M. Atkinson-Sneed, Vanessa L. (Herbert) Hamlett, Carla E. Atkinson, Michael D. (Alvina) Atkinson, Wyleena M. Harris, John C. (Erinn) Harris, Raven Y. Troup, Jason L. (Kime-ya) Atkinson, and Shemika R. Atkinson; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; adopted daughter Dale Atkinson (Stanley) Coffer; 1 sister-in-law, Flora Mae Evans-Mack of Detroit, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends who loved her very much.

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; 
the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. (Isaiah 60:20)

 “Remembered Joy”

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!

I follow the plan God laid for me.

 

I saw His face, I heard His call,

I took His hand and left it all…

 

I could not stay another day,

To love, to laugh, to work or play;

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

 

And if my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

 

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…

Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much;

Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.

 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –

Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.

Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,

Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

                                        Author Unknown

 

 

 

You are not forgotten, Dear one,

Nor will you ever be,

As long as life and memory last,

We will remember thee.

                          Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Atkinson Family

Celebration for Mr. John Loyd Atkinson, Sr.

Tuskegee Airman & Georgia State Park Superintendent

July 7, 2013

 

 

 

 

Miss Me – But Let Me Go”

 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room;

Why cry for a soul set free?

 

Miss me a little – But not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me – but let me go.

 

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan,

A step on the road home.

 

Miss me – but let me go.

- Author Unknown

 

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