Joan Frances was born on July 5th, 1936 in Camden, New Jersey. She was an only child, a graduate from Pierre S. DuPont High School in 1955. She worked as a telephone operator until she married.
Our mother was an extraordinary care giver and loved us unconditionally. She taught her 5 children to love the Lord and each other. Mom also taught us humility, integrity, respect, and the power of forgiveness. We witnessed her studying the Bible and praying daily, working for Him weekly, served Him diligently and walked completely by faith. She was an excellent example of the daily Christian walk. She truly lived it beautifully!
Joan taught Sunday school for 53 years teaching Jr. High, Adult Teacher Certification and recently our Word of Truth Adult Class, volunteered every Tuesday and Friday at Fair Park Nursing Home (now known as Home Health Care) for 40 years, Women’s Ministries Director for 39 years, was a member of the prayer chain for 36 years since 1984, was Director of Vacation Bible School for 7 years, led the Body and Spirit Bible Study every Tuesday for 13 years, opened her home to many throughout her life, and held one on one Bible studies for 5 years in her home. All these things she did with great joy, love, and true passion for God!
In Scripture, the book of James 1:19-25, “not to just read the word, but do what it says.” We know that when she entered the gates of Heaven and looked upon the face of Jesus, she heard these words spoke to her, “well done my good and faithful servant” making all the hardships she had endured worth it!
She is survived by her children: Steve Atkinson (Gidget) of Houston, Ron Atkinson (Mary) of Huntsville, Robert Atkinson of Jacksonville, FL., Patricia Glass (Grady) of Huntsville, and Anne Margaret Smith (James) of Huntsville; 12 Grandchildren; Jason Atkinson, Christi Atkinson Jager, Meagan Glass Moulder (Lance), Christopher Atkinson (Natasha), Dezi Atkinson Powell (Michael), Heather Atkinson, Derrick Glass, William Smith (Rebecca), Nicolas Atkinson, Emily Atkinson, Rachel Atkinson, and Caleb Atkinson; 16 Great Grandchildren: Micah, Mason, and Maxton Atkinson, Alli Jager, Amery and Addylin Powell, Levi and Mackenzie Atkinson, Audrey Atkinson, Hunter Bennett, Everleigh Atkinson, Peyton and Samantha Moulder, Atticus, Marigold, and Forest Smith, plus numerous nieces, nephews and all our friends that called her Mom!! She was welcomed into Heaven by her Mother, Margaret Bowers Saye and Step Father, Herbert E. Saye; Husband, Louis Daniel Atkinson and Aunt Frances Bloomingdale and a few grandchildren she never met on this side of Heaven.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 28th at 9:00 am until 10am at First Assembly of God Church. The celebration of Joan’s life will begin at 10 am at First Assembly of God Church in Huntsville, Texas. Interment will follow the service at the Black Jack Cemetery, Huntsville, Texas.
