Penny Ford Atkins

Fanny Penn "Penny" Ford Atkins, 76, died on Saturday, June 3, 2017, after a battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Muriel and Howard Ford; and her son, David Atkins. She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy Atkins of Havre de Grace, Md., and Lynn Trombley of Medford, N.J.; two grandchildren, Joey Trombley and Jenny Trombley; sister, Betty Anne Ford (Nancy Newell) of Zebulon, N.C.; brother, Garry Ford (Sue) of Lynchburg; and foster sister, Dot Cullen of Roanoke. Penny was born and reared in Lynchburg. She graduated from E. C. Glass High School and Virginia Intermont College. She was a voice teacher accompanist and taught piano in her home for more than 40 years. She was the long-time pianist for The Kirk in Forest. She also worked at Presbyterian Home and for 28 years at Virginia Baptist Hospital. Penny's truest devotion was to her children and grandchildren. She was fortified by many friends who were dear to her and who were always there for her. Penny was a great listener and inspired others through her counsel. She also provided inspiration to others through her four piano CDs of sacred and Christmas music. Penny's most enjoyable experiences include a two-piano recital she gave as a high school student with her mother at Randolph Macon's Presser Hall and providing two-piano accompaniment for musical productions at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center with her mother and also with her long-time best friend, Nancy Goode. The family offers sincere appreciation to her oncologist Dr. Emily Jenkins as well as the competent and compassionate staffs of Lynchburg General Hospital and Guggenheimer rehab facility. Memorial gifts may be sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia, 2901 Langhorne Rd., Lynchburg, VA24501, Miller Home of Lynchburg, 2134 Westerly Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24501, Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1022 Floyd St., Lynchburg, VA24501 or Loaves and Fishes Ministry, P.O. Box 14596, Raleigh, NC 27620. A celebration of Penny's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Arrangements under the direction of Whitten Funeral Home/Park Avenue, Lynchburg, VA.