Cammie Lou Atkins

11/24/36-9/7/25

Dr. Atkins, a Professor Emeritus at Birmingham-Southern College, died peacefully at home at the age of 88. She was born in Camden, AL to parents, Preston and Natalie Johnson. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS and then her master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Finally, through much hard work, she obtained her Doctorate from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. She was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, friend and beloved Nannie to her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by parents, Preston Johnson and Natalie Capell Johnson and her sister, Natalie Sandlin. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Charles, and her three children, Lance LTC (Laurie) of Williamsburg, VA, Chris MD (Leanne) of Atlanta, GA and Charlotte of Alabaster, AL. Nine grandchildren: Caitlin, Delilah and Chase of Atlanta, GA, Skler of Los Angeles, CA, Logan of Barre, VT, Laurna of Des Moines, IA, Laina of Williamsburg, VA, and Luke, Sam and Tyson of Alabaster, AL.

Dr. Atkins was a lifelong educator, who during her career taught children ages four years old through college age in Alabama, Mississippi, New Jersey and the Army Dependent Schools in Okinawa. She also worked for three years as Executive Director of the United Way Pre-School Children’s Service for Jefferson, Walker and Shelby counties. She was a stout believer in developing a strong foundation for children in their early childhood years.

Cammie was a member of the Vestavia Hills Methodist Church where she served in many capacities over the years, including the Board of Trustees, Exodus Class Sunday School member, the church library committee and with the United Methodist Women. She adored her family and enjoyed community and educational activities.

She left the following poem by Carol Mirkel as a personal message to her family and friends:

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve

To dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

The family would like to thank Amada Senior Care and Enhabit Hospice for their gentle and compassionate care. We would especially like to extend our immense gratitude to her caregivers Ayanna Williams, Yinlustra Gordon, Teresa Cade and Denisica Jackson.

A graveside service will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL on September 10, 2025 at 10:15 am. A memorial service will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Vestavia Hills Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.