Gayle Atkins

Gayle B. Atkins, age 81, passed away peacefully in her home on August 2, 2024. She was born on February 7, 1943 in Fairfield, AL. She was preceded in death by her father, John C. Braswell and mother, Jimmie Scott Braswell; her husband William B. Atkins, Jr.; son, William B. Atkins, III; and brother, John Braswell.

She is survived by her daughter, Lea Ann Presley; son-in-law, David Presley; sister, Carol (Muffy) Dale, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her “faithful companion”, dog Mickey.

Gayle graduated with the class of 1961 at Fairfield High School, and then started her career in Auburn, working to help support her husband Bill through college. She later developed her own tax service business that she maintained until her retirement.

She cared deeply for others, and her adult life was focused on caring for and helping her children. She loved the Holiday season and always looked forward to getting together with her extended family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would go all out with the Christmas decorations and the house always looked like a showcase.

A special thanks to her caregivers over the last few years, Brenda and Michelle, as well as the entire staff at SouthernCare New Beacon hospice services.

A graveside service is planned for Monday, August 5th in Block 44 at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama at 2 p.m..

Those attending should meet at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel (800 Dennison Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211) prior to 2 p.m., and everyone can follow the procession to the gravesite from there. Because of the heat, please dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Humane Society in Gayle's honor.

There will be a Graveside Service Monday, August 5, 2024 at 2:00PM in Elmwood Cemetery in Block 44 located at 600 Martin Luther King Jr Drive Birmingham, Alabama 35211 .