Judy Theresa Atkinson

Judy Theresa Atkinson was born in Griffin, GA on January 19, 1946. She was the third child born to James Hubert Atkinson and Mildred Naomi (Landers) Atkinson, also from Griffin. Judy moved with her family to South Florida in the early1950’s. Her mother suffered from asthma, and the salt air of Florida was the prescribed to improve the condition.

Judy graduated from Southwest Miami High School in 1964. After working for a few years in the accounting field, she entered The Salvation Army’s School for Officer Training in Atlanta in 1970. She graduated as a member of the Lightbringer’s Session and was ordained as a minister of the gospel, and a Salvation Army Lieutenant in 1972. She served in several Corps facilities in Florida, and at the Divisional Headquarters in Jacksonville.

In the prime of her life, Judy began to suffer with anxiety and neurological issues including tremors and paranoia. She resigned her commission and tried to work in other settings but found it to be a challenge. It was during this time that her older brother, Larry Atkinson, and his wife Pat provided guidance, support and ongoing care. Larry’s patient approach continued for over 40 years until the end of his life in 2022… and was the decisive factor in Judy’s ability to live an independent life. During the end of Judy’s time in Florida, her nephew Ken Atkinson also made significant contributions to keep Judy safe and comfortable.

Judy never married and did not have children… but her love for all of God’s creatures… especially cats… was apparent to anyone who spent time with her. She adopted them, took in strays, and loved them all fiercely. Earning the affection of a feral cat is not to be underestimated… and Judy was proud of each of these, her closest friends.

Judy moved to Temple, Texas in 2023 to be close to family. This provided an opportunity to spend time with her nieces, nephews, great nephews, and great nieces. She was loving in these relationships, providing gifts of affection for the little ones.

The neurological challenges increased during the later years of her life, restricting her activity, but she was provided with professional and loving care by the staff at Cornerstone Gardens in Temple, Texas. Her family is grateful for the care provided by Ruby, Shanna, Connie, Mary, Maria, Ruth, Betty and many other members of the Cornerstone staff.

Judy was Promoted to Glory on June 18, 2024.

Judy was preceded in death by both of her parents, and her older brother Larry Atkinson and his wife Pat. She is survived by her older brother Don Atkinson and his wife Pat, both of South Carolina; and by her younger brother Tim Atkinson and his wife Abbie Atkinson, both of Temple Texas.