Barbara A. Atkins-Whitney

Mrs. Barbara A. Atkins-Whitney passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Mid-Michigan Medical Center. Age 72 years. She was born October 21, 1945 in Elmore Alabama to Willie Mae Sears.

Mrs. Atkins-Whitney was a former resident of Prudenville, Michigan. She was a graduate of Doby High School in Wetumpka, Alabama, “Class of 1963.” Barbara attended Grace Christian Fellowship, and was a faithful volunteer at Helping Hands Mission in Beaverton, Michigan. Her hobbies included cooking, sewing and playing bingo.

She leaves to cherish loving memories her husband, George Whitney, Prudenville, Michigan; four daughters, Sarah Bracey, Cathy Graves, Karen Atkins and Sandra Atkins; three sons, Pastor Chet (Elizabeth) Atkins, Isom Atkins, III and Donald Atkins; two stepchildren, George Whitney, IV and Joshue Whitney; grandchildren, Derrick, Eric, Tamela and Mickevious Franklin, Marcus Johnson, Chasity Jackson, Lamar Powell, Nitisha, Transhonda Johnathon, Lacretia, Chance, Zar’Ria, and Anaiah Atkins; De’Ante Burnside, Brittney DeGroat, Ellen Davy, and Justice Garza; sixteen great-grandchildren; five sisters, Betty (Kirk) Washington, Debra (Ronald) McKethern, Louise Sears, Lula Pierson and Lottie Sears; five aunts, Lillie B. Faulk, Julia Humphry, Lizzie (George) Moore, Charlsie Mae Thomas, and Carrie McWilliam; uncle, Henry Franklin; mother and father-in-law, George and Pat Whitney; sisters-in-law, Rohoda Townsend and Bonnie MaCalmon.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Willie Mae Sears; brother, Ruben Sears, Jr.; grandparents, Carrie Johnson and March Franklin, Sr.; uncles, Tom, Charlie Henry, March Jr., and John Franklin.

The family expresses special thanks to the staff at Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Midland.