Helen A. Atkinson

Helen Akins Atkinson, born April 3, 1916 went to be with her Lord on August 26, 2016. Born in Plant City, Florida, she was proud to be a native Floridian. At the time of her death, she was residing at Broadview Assisted Living in Tallahassee.

Previously, she had lived in Wildwood, Florida before moving to Tallahassee and living 46 years, then she and her husband moved to The Villages, Florida. After living in The Villages, Florida for over 15 years, she then moved back to Tallahassee to be closer to her daughter.

Helen attended Wildwood High School where she played basketball and would later go on to coach basketball during World War II. She also attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia. In addition to her coaching, she was also the President of the PTA at Wildwood High School. She was also a worthy Matron in the Eastern Stars.

Helen is survived by a son, Joel Walker Atkinson II and spouse Josie Myers-Atkinson, and a daughter, Gaye A. Mitchell and spouse Richard O. Mitchell, Jr.; Grandchildren include Joel W. Atkinson III, Leo Andrew Atkinson, and Robin Mitchell, Quinn Mitchell and spouse, Jordan; and Kimberly Kupiszewski and spouse, John "Jay" Kupiszewski. Great grandchildren, Krystan K. Sizemore and spouse, Chris Sizemore; Mitchell Kupiszewski, and spouse, Courtney, and Alex Kupiszewski; Rommy, Haddie, and Forest Mitchell; Great-great grandchildren include Isiah, Garrett and Amede Royal and Liam, Helena and Akin Sizemore; and many friends, nieces and nephews that will truly miss her.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Joel Walter Atkinson, Sr. in 2007; her father, William "Bill" Akins and mother, Elsie Mae Perry Akins; a sister, Weise Rector, and a brother, William "Brother" Akins.

A graveside service will be held in her memory on August 30, 2016 at 3:00pm, at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee. In keeping with her requests, donations should be made to St. Jude Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38015 or to Covenant Hospice Care, 1921 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.