Vivalee "Bear" Barrilleaux Atkinson

Vivalee Barrilleaux“Bear” Atkinson passed away at her residence on February 6, 2022 after living a long, rich life, filled with smiles and laughter. Vivalee was a native of Baton Rouge, LA and former resident of Colorado, Florida, and most recently Washington, Louisiana.

As a teenager, Vivalee reigned as Miss St. Landry Parish Sugar Queen. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met with her go-getter energy, strong opinions, and contagious laugh. She was often referred to as a “FIRECRACKER!” Vivalee enjoyed watching football, fishing and sewing but was more often found thrift shopping or casino-going. She was never without a scratch-off ticket to try her luck or a disposable camera waiting to capture a memory at a moment’s notice! Despite her many hobbies and interests, her greatest love of all was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and granddogs.

“Bear” worked as a homemaker while raising her two children in their home on Perkins Road. There, her kids’ friends were “her kids” and always felt welcome. Some referred to the house as “Vivalee’s Home for Wayward Children.” In later years, she worked in various retail settings and also spent some time as a licensed florist.

Proceeded in death by her parents, Felix Barrilleaux and Elva Hunter Barrilleaux; her brothers, Hunter, Johnny, Kenneth, and Phil Barrilleaux; and her infant son, Michael Atkinson. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Barrilleaux of Florida and Charleen Karlsson (Rick) of Virginia; her son Wayne Atkinson (Laurie); daughter Terrilee McAndrew (Steele); grandchildren Travis, Michael, and Chris Atkinson, Ryan McAndrew, and Annalee Sylvester; great-grandchildren Mason and Violet McAndrew, Ryan and Henry Atkinson, Bella Atkinson, and Layla and Jesse Sylvester. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Travis Atkinson, Michael Atkinson, Chris Atkinson, Ryan McAndrew, Hunter Barrilleaux, and Josh Sylvester.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your choice of charities supporting Veterans, Breast Cancer, or Animal Rescue.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 11, 2020 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815