On March 10, 2021, God called home our beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend Lois Ione Atkins.
Lois ‘Bug’ Atkins was born June 29, 1931, in McIntyre, Ohio, the daughter and eldest child of the late Reverend Virgil Cooper, Sr. and Evangelist Mary Evelyn Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Clarence S. Atkins, son Clarence N. Atkins, daughter Evelyn M. Atkins-Walker, an infant granddaughter, three sons-in-law, and other dearly departed loves ones.
In 1953 she became a member of Shaffer Chapel AME Church where she toiled faithfully and tirelessly in the Lord’s Service as a member of the Steward Board, Stewardess Board, Prayer Band, Missionary Society, and as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent.
Lois is survived by her four children: Cynthia D. Brown of Forestville, MD, Rev. Steven V. Atkins of Temecula, CA, Marilyn A. Francis of Washington, DC, and David J. Atkins (and his wife Janeen S. Atkins) of Pittsburgh, PA. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Lois spent her life caring for others and was loved by many. Her bright light and genuine presence will truly be missed.
Lois’ Homegoing Ceremony will be Friday, March 19 at 11 AM at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield, OH. Prior to the ceremony a viewing will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM. Rev. Melody Essex will officiate, and interment will follow at the cemetery in McIntyre.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.