Gale H. Atkinson

Mrs. Gale Atkinson passed away on January 4, 2021. Gale was born November 17, 1940, in Woodlawn, where she grew up and graduated from Woodlawn High School. Preceding her in death were her parents, Howard and Bessie Hill, and her brother, Howard “Bubba” Hill, Jr. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of almost 60 years, James “Jim” Atkinson; her children: Dee Atkinson Goolsby (Doug), Ken Atkinson (Patti), and Brent Atkinson (Rachel); her grandchildren: Alison Criswell, Jennifer Uptain (Lee), Cristina Allen (Robby), Rebecca Strickland (Whit), Trey Atkinson (Anna) and Elias Atkinson; and her many great grandchildren. Also left behind to mourn her death are her sister, best friend, and shopping partner, Sally Hill Vick (Donnie), and her nephew, nieces, their families, and her Yorkie Daisy who was a faithful, loving, very vocal companion, until the very end.

After successfully raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, Gale proudly completed her Registered Nurse license and worked as a Home Health nurse, a job she felt was truly her calling. Throughout their life together, Gale and Jim loved to travel and they were fortunate to visit and explore many cities in the United States and abroad. Gale avidly cheered for the Auburn Tigers, and she loved embroidery, reading, thrift stores, garage sales, and spending time with family at Logan Martin Lake. Gale enjoyed decorating and parties, and people still talk about the many amazing get-togethers Gale and Jim hosted at their beautiful home in Leeds, AL.

Gale’s decline from dementia was a slow but persistent progression, and her beloved Jim continued to care for her until almost the very end. Complications from COVID then stole the remainder of her days. A private graveside service will be at Forest Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to UAB for Dementia Research. You may mail checks to: UAB Gift Records, 1720 2nd Avenue South, AB 1230, Birmingham, AL 35294-0112. Or, you may call 205-934-7242.