Joseph Louis Atkins

JOSEPH L. ATKINS of Cleveland, Ohio, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July16, 2024. He was born to Ruthphine (Jackson) Atkins and Virgil Atkins on December 28, 1936, in Prescott, Arkansas. The second of seven children and the oldest boy, Joe took his duties as a “big brother” seriously. He could hold

his own while hunting, using a fishing pole, cleaning a rifle, riding a motorcycle or driving his boat. One could say without a doubt, he was a man’s man!

His winning smile and sharp manner kept him in the company of many friends; some he met while learning and practicing his trade as a master welder, others while working in various factories, dabbling in construction, riding his motorcycle, or enjoying his favorite pastime…fishing from his boat! When he

met and married Willie, he became one of the anchors of a blended family that included his daughter, Renee Berry-Mitchell and five bonus children. In 1991, they loved and welcomed son, John Martin Phillip Aaron.

While living a full and active life, Joe felt the call to give his life to Christ and was baptized at Mt. Olivet Church of God in Christ. He also attended and served at Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ during his lifetime.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ruthphine (Jackson) Atkins and Virgil Atkins; his wife of almost 40 years, Willie Lee Marshall Atkins, sister Retha Bell Atkins, brother Larry Atkins and bonus daughter Barbara Denise Evans.

He leaves to mourn his passing; daughter Renee Berry-Mitchell and son John Atkins (Cleveland), bonus children Leslie Karen Rogers (Cleveland), Patricia Lin (Donald) Marsh (Tunnel Hill, GA), Brian Phillip (Lisa) Marshall and Terry Van (Bonita) Marshall (Jacksonville, FL); son-in-law Alvin Evans; sisters, Marie (Clarence) Kelly and Lillie Bell Atkins, brothers Johnnie Atkins (all of Cleveland), and William Atkins (CA), a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.