Alys Jane "AJ" Atkerson

Educated in Birmingham at Barrett Elementary School and Woodlawn High School, she graduated in 1946, with many honors and activities during her school years. (Some 30+ years later, her son, Rick, had teachers at Barrett that had been her teachers!)

She worked in her early years in the Map Lettering area of Alabama Power Company - then became a full-time mother - and finally, worked with her husband in the years prior to his retirement in his trucking agency.

Church was the center of her life. She was born, raised and married in the East Lake Methodist Church. On a brief sojourn to North Alabama, she and her husband became charter members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Florence, with their baby son recorded on the “cradle roll.” Returning to Birmingham in 1958, she became a member of the 76th Street (later Eastminster) Presbyterian Church, where she served in every possible way - Deacon, Elder (including long-time Clerk of Session), Sunday School, Presbyterian Women, Mothers’ Day Out Ministry - and anywhere else that she was needed. When Eastminster closed and merged with another church, she joined the First Presbyterian Church of Trussville - where she remained as active as possible in her later years.

Like her older sister, Sue, she was quite artistic, and enjoyed arts and crafts - especially with Christmas-related themes. Even up to her final months of life, she thoroughly enjoyed jigsaw puzzles - especially alongside family members - but usually made sure she got in the last piece! (Many times she was accused of sticking that piece in her pocket!) She was an avid fan of everything on the Hallmark Channels, never bothered at all by watching the same shows numerous times.

She would probably want her “greatest achievement” to be as devoted family person: daughter, sibling, wife, mother and grandmother. By and large, vacations were spent visiting family in other places - or going with families on occasional beach trips. It’s certainly not “unique” to love one’s family - but her unconditional love served as an inspiration to all who knew her - family and friends alike - to be the best version of themselves. She had very clear views of “right and wrong” - but could always find the best in anyone - even while not necessarily approving of their behavior or life choices - an attribute that is much needed in today’s divisive society.

AJ was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 42 1/2 years, Frank Douglas Atkerson; and by her four siblings, two older and two younger. She is survived by her three sons - Rick (Beth), Scott and Chris (Kelley) - three grandchildren, Dale, Kristen and Chloe - and by numerous nieces and nephews to three generations beyond.

The family wishes to offer their deepest thanks to the caregivers and staff of both Home Instead and Aveanna Hospice, whose loving and thorough assistance allowed her final months to be in her own home with the best quality of life possible!

She always loved flowers, but more lasting memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Trussville, AL, the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, AL, or the St. Jude’s Children Hospital - all places that AJ generously supported throughout her very long life.

A visitation for Alys will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 352113812. Following the visitation will be a celebration of AJ's life at 2 pm in the chapel. She will be laid to rest at Birmingham's historic Elmwood Cemetery. Ernie Haynes, CRE will officiate all services.