Eleanor Neas Atkins

On July 7, 2012 Eleanor Neas Atkins, 57, beloved wife, sister, aunt, joined the communion of the saints. Her legacy will be the heartfelt care and nurturing she gave to all she met. A Registered Nurse she never failed to provide assistance to people in need, even complete strangers. She was the glue of her extended family, bringing people together for special or ordinary occasions. A tireless servant she always looked to others needs before her own. A devout Christian, secure in her faith, she strengthened everyone around her. Her loss will leave a hole in our hearts and our lives, a hole that will only be filled if we all step in to each fill a small portion of that void.

She died peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer. She, as one who dispensed much love and care, appreciated the outpouring of love and care she received from others through these years of struggle. She knew she was loved. She knew she would soon be in the presence of God, safe in the arms of Jesus.

Eleanor is survived by her husband of twenty-seven years James D. Atkins of Lynchburg, Virginia; her two brothers, Stephen L. Neas, and Stuart J. Neas III and wife Karen, all of Forest, Virgina; sister-in-law Donna A. Absher and husband R.G. of Elkin, North Carolina, sister-in-law Terri A. Rapp and husband George of Broomall, Pennsylvania; aunt, Dorothy N Pollard of Winston-Salem, NC; mother-in-law Mary S. Atkins of Cary, North Carolina; nieces Jennifer Hodges and husband Aaron, Lisa Duke and husband Jeff, all of TX, Kristen and Heather Neas of Forest, Virginia, Jessica and Elena Rapp of Broomall, Pennsylvania; nephews Major Stuart T. Neas and wife Marcia, of FL, Parker Martin of Elkin, North Carolina; grand nieces Ava, Ellie, and Sophie Hodges of Texas, grand nephews Derrick and Daniel Duke of Texas and Ryker Neas of Forest; and Cousin Patricia Terry and husband Michael of Winston-Salem NC. She was predeceased by a cousin Stuart Franklin Pollard of Chesapeake.

The family will receive visitors at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, Virginia from 7 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday, July 10th. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, July 11th at 10:30 a.m. at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2424 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia, followed by a graveside service at Fort Hill Memorial Park.