?~!/~ /re @iffJIJ&e ~ C(Qf/0/nA ~ 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