Sue Carol Atkinson's Obituary
Sue Carol Smith Atkinson was born in Macon, Georgia on November 12, 1941. She was the daughter of the late Fannie Elizabeth and Henry Irvin Smith. She grew up in a small southern town, Swainsboro, Georgia, where she would announce its pride in being the "Crossroads of the Great South" because it is where U.S. highways 1 and 80 crossed, both stretching from one end of the US to the other. She was proud of her southern roots and longed to get back to Georgia one day.
Sue graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1959; where she had her share of loves and sorrows before leaving for East Tennessee State College. There, she met Ken, the true love of her life, who transplanted her to West Virginia.
Sue worked with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in leader and trainer positions, for both her children and many others, on the local and district levels. She has told stories as a Sunday School Teacher, at 4-H camps and church gatherings. As owners of Atkinson Distributors, she worked hand-in-hand with her husband in business for more than 35 years. She retired from the business in 2004.
When Sue retired, she had more time to start quilting and telling stories. Sue was named the 2nd biggest liar in Virginia after entering the Shenandoah Valley Liar's Contest. Each fall her good friend, Danny McMillion, niece, Shari Watt, and she would travel to Jonesboro, TN to hear storytellers that came from all over. Danny and she also participated in the Tellabration Storytelling Event in Beckley, WV, where Danny would introduce her as "The Georgia Peach who transplanted to West Virginia 45 years ago and still talks funny." Sue got into storytelling so much that her family would never know if her words were the truth or just another incredible story. After having rotator cuff surgery, she claimed that it would be "boring to say, 'I had surgery'." So instead, she had everyone convinced that the family's pet bull, named Baby, took an instant dislike to her and that is why her arm was in a sling.
Sue was a devoted Christian and confidently knew that she would be reunited with her loved ones that passed before her in Heaven. She had full confidence in our God. She was a member of the Beckley United Methodist Temple for close to 50 years where she served on several committees and contributed to the creation of "The Place", a project near to her heart. Once settled in Proctorville in 2017, she transferred her membership to First United Methodist Church of Huntington.
While she lived in Beckley, she was a member of the Red Hat Society, Beckley Rotary Club, and the Sew Sew Sisters. After moving, she became a member of the Dorcas Circle at First United Methodist Church and Creative Quilters in Huntington.Sue was preceded in death by her husband Ken Atkinson, the love of her life for 40 years of marriage, and her two sisters and their spouses, Betty Gambrell (Walter) and Mary Paul Smith (Warren).
Sue leaves the stories (and lies) to her three children to continue: Brian Atkinson (Teresa) of Charleston, WV; Becky Connelly (Matt) of Quakertown, PA; and Meg Cyrus (Chris) of Proctorville, OH.
Her grandchildren, without a doubt, were who Sue lived for and never missed a moment to hear about their next adventure or be their biggest cheerleader: Joscelyne, Kristopher, and Michael Atkinson, Kayla and Taylor Connelly, and Alec Cyrus.
Other remaining family: brother-in-law Steve Atkinson (Sandy) of Madison, WI and so many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Sue valued her time with her childhood best friend, Rose Marie Turner. They were always together and became known as the Sunshine Twins because of their blonde hair and giggles. Several close quilting friends, who were like sisters, completed her life both in Beckley and Proctorville.
Sue loved big and never met a stranger. She was a friend to so many, and won them over with her smile, laugh, wit, sarcasm, humor, determination and love for life. Sue would be your biggest critic, but also give you her honest opinion, without holding back. She had a love for catching up with friends and family and enjoying a good margarita.
Even through her medical situations in the last few years, Sue remained strong in her faith and was always smiling. She befriended and entertained nurses and staff in every doctor's office or hospital she went to. After completing radiation for breast cancer in 2019, she exited in memorable fashion. She rang the last treatment bell with such excitement, she broke it.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Medical Center, as well as the staff at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, for providing amazing care for their mom and giving comfort to the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either of the charities that were close to Sue's heart:
Children/Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Huntington; 1124 5th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701.
Little Victories Animal Shelter; PO Box 247, Barboursville, WV 25504 or go online www.littlevictories.org
Services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11th at the First United Methodist Church of Huntington, WV with The Reverend Scott Sears officiating. Visitation will begin one hour before the service. A private burial will be held by the family.
Sue would say, "Stop digging at your eyes. I am going home and I will see you again soon!" She arrived home on May 3, 2024.
Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, OH, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at ehallfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Sue?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sue?
Share a story where Sue's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sue you’ll never forget.
How did Sue make you smile?