Barbara Anne Hatcher Atkins

Barbara Anne Hatcher Atkins, 75, of Roanoke County, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 8, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of John (Bill) Atkins, pastor of Southside Baptist Church, where she faithfully committed herself to volunteering in nearly all ministry areas. Preceding her in death were her parents, James (Jim) T. and Alice J. McCray Hatcher; and brother-in-law, Leon Thacker. Her surviving family includes her husband of 58 years, the Rev. John (Bill) W. Atkins; daughter, Teresa Atkins Walters; sisters, Linda Crawford and husband, Barry, and Judy Thacker; brother, Donnie Hatcher and wife, Fran; grandchildren, Emerson Schoonover III and wife, Christie, Adam Schoonover and wife, Amy, April Walters Santos and husband, Christopher, and Joshua Walters and girlfriend, Jessica Boardwine; great-grandchildren, Taylor Schoonover, Gabriella Schoonover, Emma Schoonover, Jayden Alley, and Christopher Walters who was also her special buddy; special niece, Jennifer Crawford; special nephews, Jimmy Richardson and wife, Terry, and Jeffrey Thacker; a large number of great-nieces and great-nephews; and many special friends from Southside Baptist Church. A period of visitation will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010 at 11 a.m., also in the funeral homes chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Dr. Billy Martin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbaras name may be made to Southside Baptist Church at 2721 Twelve OClock Knob Road in Salem, Virginia 24153. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.johnmoakey.com. The Atkins family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.