Virginia Summey Atkinson

Virginia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Affectionately known as “The Counselor”, she is survived by her son Lorick (Megan); granddaughter, Avery Buchanan (Cole); grandsons, Jack and James; and great-grandson, William Buchanan. She is also survived by her brothers Marion (Frankie and Linde) and Hamp (Sheila) and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Jack Atkinson; parents, Shala and Cecile; brothers, Shala Jr. and John Summey; close family friend, Tim Brashier; and her beloved cat, Hootie.

Ms. Atkinson graduated from Pickens High School and Furman University. She also completed a master’s degree from Clemson University.

Ms. Atkinson was a loyal Parker High School Golden Tornado for over 40 years. Working as both a teacher and guidance counselor, she mentored many students on the westside of Greenville up until the school’s closure in 1986. She then finished her career at Travelers Rest High School.

Ms. Atkinson was heavily involved in the Future Business Leaders of America organization serving as a state advisor for many years traveling to national conventions across the country. She was a member of the American School Counselor Association, as well as the South Carolina School Counselor Association serving a term as its President. Ms. Atkinson was inducted into the International Society for Key Women Educators Delta Kappa Gamma where she was a member of the South Carolina State Organization for over 60 years.

Ms. Atkinson was also a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution the Fort Prince George Chapter.

One of her many loves was music. From marching in the Furman University Band; playing piano at Buncombe Road Baptist Church; to many Living Christmas Tree performances at Berea First Baptist Church; and recently, the impromptu performances of “Church in the Wild Woods” with her brothers Hamp and Marion, her life was filled with melody.

Virginia loved the Clemson Tigers and was a lifetime member of IPTAY. Over the years, she traveled to many ACC tournaments and bowl games cheering on the Tigers. She also enjoyed spending time at Holden Beach, North Carolina with family and friends (and Hootie).

She left a lasting impact on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family expresses deep gratitude to The Foothills Retirement Community of Easley, SC for their unwavering kindness and support throughout the past nine years. The family would also like to thank Interim Hospice for their exceptional care and grace the last few years.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 14th, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC. Funeral services will follow visitation at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.