“I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.”
Betty Jean Atkins, age 77, born January 21, 1936, in Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family on September 16, 2013, after a lengthy illness. Betty graduated from Blountville High School and retired from Holston Valley Hospital after 42 years of service. Betty was of the Baptist faith, Loved God, her family and friends. Her warm and sweet smile will always be remembered. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle Haynes and Elijah Johnson; step-father, John Haynes’ step-brother, Lester Haynes’ daughter, Gloria Arnold; son, Michael Atkins and great granddaughter, Makayla Grindstaff. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Paul Atkins; daughter, Muriel Horne and husband Jerry; son, Marvin Atkins; step-brother, J.W. Haynes; precious grandchildren: Kristi Grindstaff, Angel Minor, Angie Gillenwater and husband Brian, Thomas Atkins, Jessica Atkins and husband Josh, Layla Atkins, Cassie Atkins, Justin Atkins and Amanda Atkins; step-grandchildren: Dale Arnold and wife Angie and Donnie Arnold and wife Penny; special great grandchildren: Kaitlyn Grindstaff, Brantly Gillenwater, Ariel Johnson, Aaron Johnson; step-grandchildren: Briana Johnson, Henry Johnson, Christina Arnold, Susie Arnold, Harley Arnold and Billie Arnold.
The family will receive friends at 428 Astor Street at any time. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Leb Thornberg and Pastor Bo Westmoreland, officiating. Music will be provided by the Church of Jesus Christ Singers. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in The Garden of David in East Lawn Memorial Park. Everyone is asked to assemble at the gravesite by 12:45 p.m. for the service. Betty was a blessing to her family and friends. We thank God for sharing her life with us. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the hospice nurses, Rochelle and Kris; special niece, Teresa Barker and special friend, Diane Thacker for their loving care. May God bless her many friends for their prayers, love and support. Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the family. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements and are honored to serve the Atkins family.
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