Obituary for Marcelene Atkins
Marcelene Smith Atkins, 88, of Roanoke, Virginia, was welcomed home by her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Roanoke, to the late Marvin D. and Ola Agee Smith, she is also preceded in death by a sister, Gloria D. Smith.
Marcelene is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Earle C. Atkins; son, David Atkins and wife, Jayne, of Roanoke; son Robert Atkins and wife, Nancy, of Hardy; grandchildren, Haley E. Atkins of Roanoke, Robert Brandon Atkins of Hardy, Emily Atkins Riesbeck and husband, Kurt of Fredericksburg, and Kristen N. Atkins of Radford. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy – she absolutely beamed when she spoke of their accomplishments.
Born in Roanoke on September 14, 1934, her family later moved to Salem, which she always considered her hometown. Mart, as she was affectionately known by her friends, was a 1952 graduate of Andrew Lewis High School. After graduation, she began working at Salem Furniture as a bookkeeper. Later, she worked for Drill Carrier Corporation (Gardner Denver then, Cooper Industries) as an Executive Secretary, Cost Accounting Supervisor, and the Payroll Supervisor. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church, in Salem.
Mart was an avid reader and loved to complete the daily crossword puzzle. She enjoyed trips to Virginia Beach, baking for the holidays, and watching a good Hallmark movie. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. Hollywood” by her friends at Famous Anthony’s, where she and Earle would eat breakfast before the pandemic.
The family will welcome friends on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the Upper Parlor of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Sherwood Memorial Park with Pastor Bryan Buckels officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Central United Methodist Church, 428 College Ave., Salem, VA 24153, or to a favorite charity of choice.
Marcelene is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Earle C. Atkins; son, David Atkins and wife, Jayne, of Roanoke; son Robert Atkins and wife, Nancy, of Hardy; grandchildren, Haley E. Atkins of Roanoke, Robert Brandon Atkins of Hardy, Emily Atkins Riesbeck and husband, Kurt of Fredericksburg, and Kristen N. Atkins of Radford. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy – she absolutely beamed when she spoke of their accomplishments.
Born in Roanoke on September 14, 1934, her family later moved to Salem, which she always considered her hometown. Mart, as she was affectionately known by her friends, was a 1952 graduate of Andrew Lewis High School. After graduation, she began working at Salem Furniture as a bookkeeper. Later, she worked for Drill Carrier Corporation (Gardner Denver then, Cooper Industries) as an Executive Secretary, Cost Accounting Supervisor, and the Payroll Supervisor. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church, in Salem.
Mart was an avid reader and loved to complete the daily crossword puzzle. She enjoyed trips to Virginia Beach, baking for the holidays, and watching a good Hallmark movie. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. Hollywood” by her friends at Famous Anthony’s, where she and Earle would eat breakfast before the pandemic.
The family will welcome friends on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the Upper Parlor of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Sherwood Memorial Park with Pastor Bryan Buckels officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Central United Methodist Church, 428 College Ave., Salem, VA 24153, or to a favorite charity of choice.