of Houston, AR
November 7, 1949 - February 5, 2015
Connie R. Atkinson, 65 of Houston, Arkansas, passed from this life on February 5, 2015. She was born on November 7, 1949 in Conway to the late Wayne Junior Sowell and Fern Marian Rablin Sowell. Connie was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in which she proudly served for over forty years. During that time, she served as the local President to the Jesse Grisham VFW Auxiliary No. 2259of which she was a life member. She served as District President, as well as State President. Connie later was elected to the National Guard which put her in position to be a National President of the Ladies Auxiliary in 1997-1998. After serving a year as the National President, she continued her dedication to the Ladies Auxiliary by serving as National Chairman on the Southern Conference Safety and Rehabilitation Programs and as the Southern Conference Meeting Chairman. Connie was appointed in 2006 as the National Secretary/Treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. She served in that capacity until November 2011. Connie also worked for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management from 1986-2006. While holding that position, she was named outstanding State Employee and was promoted to Chief Fiscal Officer before becoming the Associate Deputy Director. Connie was named to the Governor's Purchasing Quality Management Team.
Connie was also preceded in death by her husband, Edward C. Atkinson, her sisters Linda Rayder and Doris Watson. She leaves behind three sons; Sonny Cotton, Richard Atkinson (Rachel), Johnathon Paul Atkinson (Jackie), her three brothers; George Roy Sowell, Wayne ''Dub'' Sowell, Glenn Sowell, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration Service will be held in her honor at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Friendship Baptist Church, 767 Rocky Point Road, Conway, Arkansas with Brother Ken Jordan Officiating.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Arkansas Hospice for all their support and guidance and a special thanks to Billy York for making sure that Connie's last days were peaceful.
In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arkansas Hospice Foundation at 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116.
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18 Condolence(s)
Jeanne Bates Parker
Sunday, February 15, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember growing up with Connie, she acheived a lot in life. God Bless.
Celia
Thursday, February 12, 2015
I worked with Connie as she was going through the national line of officers and really enjoyed her company and confidence. It was a pleasure to work with her and for her. I know her family will really miss her - she loved you all so much.
Armithea Borel
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Our prayers are with you. Connie was a very important person to our Veterans and the Auxiliary.
Hugs
Sissy, PNP
Charolette Davidson Counts
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Dear Jackie and Family:
I read Ms. Atkinson's obituary. She was certainly well loved person and leader in the community. I am very sorry for your loss. I leave you with prayers of peace.
Affectionately,
Charolette Huie Davidson Counts
Vicky's Cousin
Mandy McElhaney Anderson
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to JP, Jackie and all the family.
Mandy Danner
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Sorry for the family loss prayers for all I know Connie will be missed god bless
crystal malott
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Hey to all the family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Connie was a fun person whom loved life, bringing laughter to so many. I can still see her running thru the VFW bare footed, country as could be. She and Carroll Ed made a perfect duo and they are together once again God bless for peace and comfort love you all
Donnie Atkinson
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Praying peace for Sonny, Richie, and JP.
Mary Long
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Even though we haven't seen each other in a couple of years, the time would have melted away and we could resume a conversation started a long time ago just like it was yesterday. We were travelling buddies and had lots of long talks and lots of laughs. We even took the boys on a trip to D.C. when they were young on one of our trips for the VFW Auxiliary. Lots of memories! I loved her and I will miss her!
Linda Ford
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Prayers are with you for peace.She is in a better place.
God be with her family.
Betsy Buchanan
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy to the family. May the hand of GOD give you strength in your grief.
Becky (Hazel) Crum
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Doris and all of Connie's family, so sorry to hear of her passing. She was one strong lady but always tried to do what was right for the government while working at ADEM. She worked her way up in life and had many accomplishments and opportunities. I know she will be missed by many.
Laurie Williamson
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Atkinson. I only knew her through the Ladies Auxiliary and I had tremendous respect for the work she did. We will all miss her.
Fred Mullen
Monday, February 9, 2015
While working at ADEM, Connie was a tremendous blessing to the citizens of Franklin County. Always helpful. My prayers for family and friends.
NELDA USSERY
Monday, February 9, 2015
I am so very sorry to hear Connie has passed away, we were classmates in high school, didn't see much of her after that, but I remember her as a great person, very beautiful and a great friend. prayers for the family.
Ramona Bates
Monday, February 9, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in your memories of her and your love of each other.
Susan Bates Holtzman
Sunday, February 8, 2015
May our Lord bless and comfort your family during this time of grief. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Joni Bundy
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Prayers for the family And friends. I meet Connie 15 Years a Go She Was always so Nice And helpful. Rest My sweet friend.
Joni Bundy Department of Oklahoma