of Little Rock, AR
April 15, 1925 - August 9, 2016
Our dearly beloved Mother, Grandmother and friend, Virginia Louise Atkinson went to be with her Saviour Jesus Christ, and was reunited with her late husband, Reverend Charles Mai Atkinson and many family members and dearest friends on August 9, 2016. She was born on April 15, 1925 in Kingsland, Arkansas to Virgil and Carrie Oakley, and she was the oldest of six children.
Raised in Star City, Arkansas, she entrusted her heart and soul to Jesus Christ at the age of 15. She faithfully followed Him all of her life! She met the love of her life, Charles Mai Atkinson while members of First Baptist Church in Star City, who was soon to be serving his country in WWII. While on furlough, they married on September 29, 1943. The Lord blessed them with two children, Annette and Michael. As children, we have sweet memories of our mother as a Sunday school teacher and singing in the choir. She was active in our small town and Dad was a manager at Nichol's Variety, and she would help him during busy days. She was also a member of the Star City Garden Club, and loved designing floral arrangements. Our family moved to Little Rock in 1953; Dad worked at Sears and Mother at Pfeiffer's of Arkansas. We joined Immanuel Baptist Church on our first Sunday in Little Rock and it was there our Dad was called to the gospel ministry.
As a pastor's wife, she ministered alongside her husband for the total of 38 years, the longest tenure was at Green Memorial Baptist Church for over 25 years. She had a love for teaching and caring for young children, especially enjoyed Vacation Bible School, and Arkansas Baptist Assembly in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She worked in the Mother's day out children's program at the former Olivet Baptist Church in Little Rock and in 1981 in the Arkansas Baptist School System where she acquired the nickname "Mrs. A". You could find her whistling in the hallways, wiping children's tears, blowing her whistle, laughing and greeting everyone that walked by. She was truly loved by everyone! In 1995, her husband retired from Green Memorial and they joined Little Rock's First Baptist Church. She worked for Arkansas Baptist School System for 27 years and she will be missed by countless children and teachers alike.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Charles Mai Atkinson; her parents, Virgil and Carrie Oakley; and two brothers Harold and Marcus Oakley.
She is survived by her two children, Annette Haynes and her husband, Steve of Maumelle and Michael Atkinson and his wife, Sheila of Arkadelphia; one brother, Bobby Oakley of Little Rock; two sisters, Frances Davis of Little Rock and Margaret Martin of Augusta, Georgia; brother-in-law, Reverend, Donald Atkinson; grandchildren, Charles Shuffield (Bridget)of Roland, Arkansas, Christy Loudermill (Terry) of Olathe, Kansas, Michelle DeJanes (Burke) of Kansas City, Missouri, Matthew Atkinson (Natalie) of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Rachael Haynes of Little Rock, Benjamin Haynes (Rachel) of Roland, Arkansas, Amanda Mills (Josh) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Oakley Atkinson (Meagan) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and twelve great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501) 224-8300. A celebration of her life officiated by Dr. John Wright, Dr. Jonathan Curtis and Chaplain Steve Haynes will be 1:00 P.M., Friday, August 12, 2016 at Little Rock's First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Leek Cemetery in Star City, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Rock's First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212.
Sign Guestbook
11 Condolence(s)
J.S.
Friday, November 27, 2020
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelation 5:13
Bill & Peggy Deaton
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Mike, Annette & family, we have been out of touch for a while, but wanted you to know how sorry we were to hear of Virginia's death. We loved she & Brother Charles so very much. While members of Welch Street & later Green Memorial, we use to tell Virginia she was an excellent pastor's wife, and they were a perfect & loving couple serving our Lord. It is difficult to think of one without the other, but they are now together in Heaven. We regret we were unable to attend Virginia's services and visit with her wonderful family.
Deborah Brockman Beard
Friday, August 12, 2016
I was so sorry to see Virginia's obituary yesterday. However I know she is having a wonderful time seeing the sites of Heaven. She was a good friend to my mother Juanita Brockman who loved both Virginia and Charles Mai Back in Star City. I visited Virginia about a year ago at Parkway and she knew who I was after I told her. We had a good visit. I know Mother was glad to see her and we can all be at peace since we will be reunited with them one day too. Blessings to your family.
Rob & Joy Holdford
Friday, August 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Rob and Joy
Dorothy Ragland
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Annette and Mike, as you must know, Virginia was a very big part of my life for the years we were part of Green Memorial Baptist Church. The hardest part of moving to the farm was not being able to visit with your parents on a regular basis. I have missed her and Bro. Charles so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lucille & Marvin Clay
Thursday, August 11, 2016
We were always happy to see our cousin Virginia come to the Merritt house in Pine Bluff. She was always a joy to be around. The Merritt sisters, Noie, Elmyra and Lucille were very close to her during those growing-up years. Many happy times together.
janie graves parker
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Annette and Mike.......I have lovely memories of your mom through the years, as we'd come back to Arkansas for the Oakley Reunions. I always thought she was pretty......and always so bubbly and friendly. I remember going to church with all of you at Cabot one year. And I LOVED that your family (and Bobby!) came all to way to Ohio to visit us one summer.
Your family was just like Uncle Virgil..........laughing all the time, more than anybody else I'd ever known!
And I remember when my mom died and we were bringing her body from Massachusetts back to Arkansas for her funeral, when we got off the plane, there was your mom and dad, and Uncle Clyde and Aunt Wenona........greeting us, and honoring her final return to Arkansas. I'm pretty sure I melted in tears when we saw them. That kindness meant SO much.
I know you will miss her. What a spunky, lovely woman!
Blessings........janie
Susan Porter
Thursday, August 11, 2016
"Mrs. A," as we all called her, was one of my dearest friends at Arkansas Baptist back in the days of my children's elementary education. We shared what we called, "our hall ministry," and spent hours sharing Jesus with whoever passed and with one another. Countless lives have been changed by her love and grace. I will miss her terribly, but I grin to think of the reunions she's having right now! I can hardly wait to see her again! Blessings as you all heal from her absence and to those of us who were influenced by her life.
Doug & Debbie Spencer
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Mike & Shelia, prayers for you and family, know she will be missed , an elegant Lady who made a positive impact on many people.
David Austin
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
"Aunt" Virginia's caring nature and loving spirit was topped with a beautiful sense of humor and unforgettable laugh. Some of the fondest memories of my childhood are the visits with your family. It is hard to think of Aunt Virginia without Uncle Charles. The support she offered as a minister's wife was like no other. She represented beauty in both body and spirit. Never was anything in her beautiful home out of place and she ways always dressed to perfection ready to greet everyone from any circumstance. A kind word, laugh and prayer was always available and she always knew which was needed by the people surrounding her. What a wonderful witness and legacy she has left for each of us who loved her. She truly knew the JOY of her salvation and spread that joy at every available opportunity. May you smile through the tears of sorrow for having such a beautiful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Sorry I will not be able to be at the service but my thoughts, prayers and love to each of you. David Austin
Debra Redding and Billie Harden
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Oh the sweet memories we have of Virginia Atkinson!
She was the absolute perfect Pastor's Wife. So friendly, loving and caring of everyone in the church. At Green Memorial Baptist Church, we all loved her and Bro. Charles. They are forever part of our memories of church and friendships. She was a one of a kind and we are grateful for the gift of Virginia Atkinson!