Celebration of Life for Bessie Louise Evans Atkinson, July 10, 1925- August 21, 2017, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Saturday, August 26, 2017, 11:00 AM, Christian Fellowship Baptist Church 1500 Norman Drive, College Park, GA 30349, Rev. Dr. Keith L. Reynolds, Officiating

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July 10, 1925,.... August 21, 2017

" I have fought the goodfight, I have finished the race,

have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown ofrl.!UII~~ou

which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on

only to me, but also to all who have longedfor his

(2 Timothy 4:7:8)



Saturda}t Auf}lst 261 2017
11:0QAM
~- ~
Christian Fellowship Baptist Church 1500 Norman Drive
,~;~College Park/ GA 30349

Dt: Keith L. Reynolds/ Officiating

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 Atkinson Evans. 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 many years, 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

before marrying ...-

lltthe late John L. Atkinson, Sr. From this union, they had 5

children; four sons and one daughter.

In 1950, she accompanied and supported her 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.

B essie 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 of 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 (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 the LORD will be your Plwrt/1<i!T7J'1a

your moon will wane no more; and your days ofsorrow will end. " 60:20)

Order of Service Christian Fellowship Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Keith L. Reynolds, Presiding

Prelude

Laverne Settles, Pianist

Processional

((Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Selection Scripture Prayer

"I Will Trust In the Lord" Page #391
Old Testament: Proverbs 8:22-31 New Testament: Colossians 2:6-8 NIV
Rev. Grady Bridges

Reflections...(3 minutes please)

Sis. Barbara Vance, WOM #1

Ms. Regi~a Marshall, Hands On Health Care

Mrs. Merolyn McGadney, Niece

Silent Reading of Obituary... Solo Eulogy

((Amazing Grace " Rev. T. Renee Crutcher

Acknowledgements

Recessional

(( The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow"

Repast Fellowship Hall- Christian Fellowship Baptist Church
3:00p.m.- Internment Service Springfield Baptist Church 1320 Springfield Rd. Union Point, GA 30669

Order of Service Springfield Baptist Church
Rev. ]ames E. Wrif}t~ Sr. Presiding

Prelude

Sis. Barbara Sigman, Pianist

Processional

Selection

"I Will Trust in the Lord" Springfield Choir

Scripture

Old Testament: Proverbs 8:22-31 New Testament: Colossians 2:6-8 NIV

Prayer

Reflections ....(3 minutes please)

Dea. Edward J. Sigman Dea. Floyd Bowman

Poem Words of Comfort

"Thank You Godfor Everything " Mrs. Emma L. Harris, Daughter

Acknowledgements

Recessional

"The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow "

Internment & Benediction

Springfield Baptist Church Cemetery

Repast Springfield Baptist Church

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people ofGod; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works,
just as God didfrom his. " (Hebrew 4:9-1 0)

"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

Flower Attendants
CFBC Women Ushers SBCM

Pallbearers
CFBC Deacons & Family SBC Deacons & Family

The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again. Author unknown
Acknowledgements
The Family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and other acts of kindness shown to them during their hours of bereavement. Special thanks goes to friends and loved one' s
who have come from afar to witness our loved one' s home going. May you be blessed with God's grace and mercy as you return to your various homes. The Atkinson Family
Winfrey Mutual Funeral Home 390 Glenhaven Ave. Athens, GA 30606
Programs Design/Creations by Jackie
Jacqueline W. Reese 770.484.0287