Lucia Gurley Atkins

Thank you, Lord, for allowing our mom to live ninety-four years. We praise you for the last twenty-five years after her liver transplant. You blessed us richly with our mom.

On August 25, 2026. early in the evening, Mom joined loved ones and friends in Heaven, welcomed by so many who had been waiting for her. Mom was the last one living in her generation from her family and Dad’s family, including brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives. She sometimes spoke sadly about being the lone survivor. However, God had plans for her and more lives for her to touch.

In these last few sad days as we faced losing her, Mom remained true, offering guidance on how to live and treat one another. Mom was eager to tell anyone and everyone how much she loved Jesus and how much she loved them. Life lessons were always front and center for mom, and her sound advice was easy to recognize. Thank you, Mom, for showing us how to live and how to treat others with kindness. We were taught to search for our purpose and God’s will for our lives. Mom taught these lessons by example and instruction. We were shown how to live as Christ would have us live, to do the next right thing, to work hard, and to respect others.

Most importantly, she continued guiding us until her last full day, when morphine silenced her voice and left her words echoing in our hearts and minds, “Love each other, lift each other up, and do the very best you can.”

Mom and Dad made a pact with each other to meet in heaven at the Eastern Gate. Now your children are saying the same. We love you and we will meet you at the Eastern Gate. Until then…….

Dyane, Marsha, Ed, and Scott

Written by Lucia in 2018

I, Lucia Pearl Gurley Atkins, was born February 16,1902 to Myra Pearl Milford Gurley and John Crandell Gurley in the town of LaFrance, South Carolina. I received Christ as my Savior in July of 1944 at Rocky River Baptist Church in Iva, South Carolina. I married Edward Dean Atkins on September 5, 1947. I have four wonderful children: Dyane (Sena), Marsha (Neil), Ed (Randy), and Scott (late wife Wendy). I have ten grandchildren: Stephanie, Jonathan, Adam, Mark, Zachary, Allison, Daniel, Mallory, Luke, and Sarah Blair. At this point I have five great grandchildren, Finn, Piper, Mary Evelyn, Susanna, and Augusta. (Mom has two additional great grandchildren since this writing, Thomas and Olivia.)

Today I am eighty-seven years old. My life has surely been blessed. I had wonderful Christian parents and a loving kind Godly husband. My children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are amazing,

What more could I have asked for? Thank you, Father. Lucia Gurley Atkins

Friends and family are invited to visit Ms. Lucia Atkins at Striffler Hamby Mortuary throughout the day on Thursday, August 27th. Please feel free to stop by at your convenience to pay your respects, share a memory, and spend a moment honoring her life.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church On The Square in LaGrange, Georgia on August 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at First Baptist Church On The Square in LaGrange, Georgia on August 28, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm. Committal will take place at Restlawn Memory Gardens in LaGrange, Georgia.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com