Martha Ruth SORRELLS ATKINS

Charles
November 29, 1927 - March 18, 2001

Martha
August 21, 1924 - April 29, 2018

Martha Ruth Sorrells Atkins of Camden, AR was born in Holly Springs, AR on August 21, 1924 to the late Lester Bradford Sorrells and the late Frankie Crownover Sorrells. During her youth she lived in Holly Springs, Bearden, and Sheridan, AR. Martha graduated from Sheridan High School, attended Hendrix College, and later was employed in Camden where she met her future husband Charles Holt (Buddy) Atkins at the First United Methodist Church. Martha and Buddy married on February 6, 1949 in the First United Methodist Church. Together they raised five children in Camden where their family was very active in the Methodist Church. Martha and Buddy lived in Camden throughout their marriage except for a brief time when Buddy was called back into the Navy to serve in the Korean War. During that time, they lived in San Diego, CA.

Martha was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Women and the Rose Couples Class. Over the years, Martha developed a love for Christian and Gospel music and often traveled with her daughters and other family members to attend Gaither Gospel concerts. She also served as President of the Camden Junior Auxiliary which she was active in for many years. She was selected Woman of the Year in 1973 by the Camden Jaycees and also served as a member of Camden’s School Board. She was well known for her hospitality and loved to entertain. Martha and her dear friend Mattie Upton shared wonderful childhood memories that brought great happiness to both women over the years. One of the greatest joys for Martha and Buddy was being surrounded by their children and grandchildren in Camden.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a sister Beatrice Burnham, a brother Leon Sorrells; sister- in-laws Berniece Sorrells, Ruth Jeanette English, Ruby Jean (Sucka) Fincher; brother-in-laws Gil Burnham, James Howard Atkins, Travis English, and Harold Fincher. and niece Frankie Daniel (Jerry). Martha’s passion was her family. She is survived by her children May Atkins, Jo Smith, Julie Atkins, Charlie Atkins (Emily), and Billy Atkins (Lori). She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Amanda Atkins, Will Atkins, Lauren Atkins Robertson (TJ), JC Smith (fiancée Megan Thomas), Emily Atkins Lewis(Jacob), Matt Maggio (Lacy), Joe Maggio, Mary Michael Maggio, Ann Henry Maggio, Nick Maggio and one great granddaughter, Peyton Robertson. She is survived by nieces Garrie Salmon (Tom), Kay Smart, Lee Kipp, Mary Shinn (Ben), Ann Van Hook (Robert), Trudy Baxter (Tom), Ellen Turner (Nat), Page Atkins and Mary Mulhollan (Jack), nephew, Hal Fincher, sister-in-law, Kathleen Atkins, and special cousin Mary Jo Crossley (George). She is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Thanks to her loving caregivers, Martha was able to stay at home surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild until the end of her life. The family would like to thank Martha’s excellent caregivers Nannette Vaughn, Tanya Smith, Onyse Moore, Velinda Ryan, as well as the Hospice staff from Ouachita County Medical Center who served as a wonderful support team.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2 at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden, Arkansas. A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on Thursday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Camden, Arkansas. Followed by interment at Memorial Park in Camden, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Camden, 121 Harrison South West, Camden, AR 71701. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com

Contributed on 4/13/20 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1309261

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