Gladys Atkins

Mrs. Gladys Ruth Atkins, age 94, of Silver Creek, Georgia passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024 surrounded by her family. Gladys was born in Woodbury, Georgia on December 29, 1929, a daughter to the late James Russell and Ruth Bowden Underwood.

As the baby of the family, Gladys, entered this world, a beautiful ray of sunshine. She spent the majority of her life in Rome where she would attend the Rome School for Girls. At the age of 13, Gladys committed her life to Jesus and was baptized; marking the beginning of her lifelong faith journey. Following high school she worked at a small dime store learning the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. In the early fifties Gladys met the love of her life, Sanders J. Atkins and the two wed in February of 1956. Once married she quickly adjusted to her new role as a military spouse, traveling the world with her growing family. Gladys and Sandy soon welcomed their first child, the late Donald Franklin Atkins and shortly thereafter their beautiful baby girl, Joan Elizabeth. As a military family of four, they resided in various locations including Alaska, Nebraska, Tampa, and Arkansas. While Sandy served our country, Gladys remained at home, dedicating herself to the most important role of all- raising their two children. After Sandy’s retirement, they returned home to Rome where they have resided ever since. Gladys then began her second career as a Lab Technician with Harbin Clinic, where she devoted 20 years to the profession. At the age of sixty-two Gladys retired and began dedicating more time to her church, the First Baptist Church of Lindale and her community. She was a member of the Joy Sunday School Class, a dedicated worker in the church food pantry, and taught children’s Sunday school. Gladys also extended care to several women in the church, providing meals, taking them to doctor’s appointments, and assisting with household chores. In 1987, Gladys’ Morgan was born, changing her life forever. Truly the apple of her eye and joy of her life; her one and only grandchild. The two shared an indescribable bond that only they understood. Though her accomplishments were many and her characteristics were unparalleled, she would quickly tell you her heart and life belonged to Jesus. Gladys understood what it meant to abide in Christ, to love Him with a fearless love and unwavering faithfulness. She served Him gladly all of her days and longed for heaven, for the opportunity to sit at His feet and thank Him for all He’s done. Her ninety-four years on this earth were full of great joy, boundless giving, and a passionate love for Jesus.

Along with her parents and son Donnie, Gladys is preceded in death by her brother, Marvin Underwood and two sisters, Sara Underwood Schmitt and Florence Underwood Lloyd.

She is survived by her loving husband, Sanders ‘Sandy’ J. Atkins; a daughter, Joan Gentry of Rome, Georgia; her only grandchild, Morgan Eubanks and husband Chad of Woodstock, Georgia; step-great grandson, Brooks Eubanks; her adopted daughter, Gail Poole of Rome; her brother, Norman Underwood also of Rome; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends also survive.

A funeral service honoring Mrs. Gladys Ruth Atkins will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Lindale with Rev. Eric Whelchel officiating. The family will receive friends from one o’clock in the afternoon until the service hour at the church.

Interment will take place in the Oaknoll Memorial Gardens of Rome, 2549 Shorter Avenue Rome, Georgia, following the funeral services.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family request donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Lindale Food Pantry.