Mary Atkinson

Mary Nell Atkinson, age 69, of Pine Bluff, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, November 29, 2012. She was born October 23, 1943 in Warren, a daughter of the late John C. Ashcraft and Pauline Yarbrough Ashcraft. Mrs. Atkinson retired from the Pine Bluff School District, having taught for thirty-six years in the Pine Bluff, Woodlawn and Watson Chapel School Districts. She was a faithful member of Olive Branch Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Open Door Sunday School Class and the Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Atkinson was a member of Gideon's International Auxiliary, where she served as Gideon's Auxiliary Card Chairman. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters. Mrs. Atkinson was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother-in-law, Willie John Johnston. Mrs. Atkinson is survived by her husband, Gary Atkinson of Pine Bluff, whom she married on March 25, 1967; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Bethany Atkinson of White Hall, Andy and Micki Atkinson of Monticello; siblings, Jacqueline Johnston of Pansy, Patsy and Cecil Smith of Watson Chapel, John Edward and Carolyn Ashcraft of Pansy; two granddaughters, Kinley Grace Atkinson and Alice Olivia Atkinson. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Olive Branch Baptist Church with Brother Roger Stewart and Reverend Andy Atkinson officiating. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, prior to service time. Pallbearers are Mike Clement, John Clement, Jackie Rauls, Wilton Johnston, Wade Johnston and Carol Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are men of the Open Door Sunday School Class and any Gideon present. Memorials may be made to the Olive Branch Baptist Church Building-Land Fund, or Gideon's International. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.