Barbara Gray (Newsom) Atkins, 82, widow of Robert Claiborne Bob Atkins, Sr. formerly of Windemere Drive, passed away Friday, September 18, 2015 in Augusta Health in Fishersville.
Mrs. Atkins was born January 5, 1933 in Petersburg, Virginia a daughter of the late Robert Owen Mike and Margaret (Meyer) Newsom.
Mrs. Atkins was a charter member of Memorial Baptist Church, where she served as Minister of Music for over 43 years. Barbara taught Sunday school, was a member of the WMU and very active in all programs of the church. She was a member of the Emily Smith Ladies Auxiliary at Kings Daughters Hospital, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Jamestown Society. Barbara enjoyed needle point, collecting dolls, playing Bridge and traveling with Bob. Mrs. Atkins had a strong minded spirit for the community of Staunton and was referred to as Mema by her grandchildren, as well as many other children.
Surviving are two sons, Robert C. Robby Atkins, Jr. and wife Frances (Simmons) of Staunton and William Owen Billy Atkins and wife Laura (Meeteer) of Waynesboro; a sister, Margaret Owen Galka of Indiana; five grandchildren, Frances Caroline Carrie Atkins, Kimberley Holt (Atkins) Prendergast and husband Barry, William Michael Atkins, Ann Claiborne (Atkins) Shifflett and her husband Jon and Cynthia Lee Atkins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2015 in Memorial Baptist Church, 224 Taylor Street, Staunton, VA.
A service of entombment, open to the public, will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 in Oaklawn Mausoleums and Memory Gardens. A Memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in Memorial Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Temple D. Myers, Rev. Mark W. Jones and Rev. Ben Sprouse.
Active pallbearers will be Jean Strickler, June Tinsley, Lewis Cash, Jr., Jim Harner, Michael Atkins, Douglas Patterson, Roy Conner and Tom King
Honorary pallbearers will be members and former members of the church Chancel Choir.
It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to the Barbara Atkins Music Scholarship Fund, 224 Taylor Street, Staunton, VA 24401.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive is in charge of her arrangements.