Mary Lou Atkins of Charleston fought a rough and courageous battle with cancer, and soon after developed Alzheimer's.
She left us on Sept. 26, 2015 with family members as close to her as we could possibly be. We were not prepared for her to be taken away from us; it was way too soon.
At 83 years old, Mary Lou still very much enjoyed life, even with the challenges she endured. She loved sitting on the deck and listening to her dinner party or gospel music. It was a nightly ritual and most always included ice cream or a milkshake or two. She loved being with her grandchildren and loved her dogs, Charlie and Bonnie, so very much.
One of her greatest enjoyments was when her house was full with the love of her family and being surrounded by them all; she never liked or wanted to be alone.
She was so friendly and pleasant to everyone she was ever in contact with ... she seriously knew no stranger.
We love you Mom, thank you for teaching us to love life and how to show compassion to all people. Our world will not be the same without you and your smiling face. You will live forever in our hearts, for part of your heart is in mine and mine is with you.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Arthur Coffey and Ethel Lillian (Guthrie) Coffey; son, Jeffrey L. Atkins; grandson, Jonathon J. Curasi; and brother, Charles A. Jr.
She is survived by her sister, Linda T. Hough (Ted) of Springfield, Mo.; daughters, Marilyn A. Bills (Brian) of Haleiwa, Hawaii, Linda L. Wooddell (Dave) of Charleston and Mary Beth Kirby (Tim) of Charleston; son, Charles E. Atkins (Heather) of Charleston; grandchildren, Erin Grabarek, Janna Bills, Carla and Sandi Fitzsimmons, Davy (Ali), Matt, Ashley (Cory) and Ben Wooddell, JoAnn Mullins (Sam), April Curasi (Jonathon) and Timothy, Nicholas and Noah Kirby; and great-grandchildren, MiaBella Fitzsimmons, Promise and Praise Riley, Jacob and Sarah Mullins, Honey Hale, Jewel, Angelo, Valentino and Scarlett Curasi.
A service to honor the life of Mary Lou will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at United Disciples of Christ Church, South Charleston, with Pastor Steven Smith officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.
Family and friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Memories of Mary Lou may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary icon.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.