Essie L. Atkins' Obituary
Essie Lee Atkins was born February 8, 1919 to the late Abraham and Annie Walker. She departed this life at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro, DE on August 21, 2016. She was the sixth of eight children. She was born and raised in Soperton, Georgia.
Essie was married to Edward Atkins and from that union they had two children. In 1979, her estranged husband passed away.
Essie later moved to Frankford, Delaware with her two children and lived with her older brother.
Essie worked at Showell Poultry where she retired.
Essie loved to spend time with her family. She also loved to attend church and when she was still able, she loved to plant a garden.
Essie was a devoted member of Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ the Lord, Inc., Millsboro, DE, where her church family called her "Mother Essie".
She was preceded in death by her siblings, James Walker, Albert Walker, Alton Walker, Lollie Phillips, Troy Walker, Annie Walker and Ernest Walker and great-grandson Gregory K Showell II.
She leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories, her daughter, Laverne Harmon (Charles) of Frankford, DE, her son Harvey Lee Atkins of Frankford, DE and eight grandchildren, Lavette Mumford (Howard), JacQueline Purnell (William), Janet Showell (Gregory), Vanita Ford, Monrieka Johnson (Luayne), Kevin Harmon (Hillary), Lawanda Atkins, and Maurice Turlington (Danshanara). She is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren, eight great great-grandchildren, two beloved nieces Carolyn Mason and Charlane Walker and a host of nieces and nephews.
A sincere thank you to Mother Leatta Boykins who would take Mother Essie to church every Sunday, and while they were both at Atlantic Shores Mother Boykins would come and pray with her when she was not feeling her best.
Also a sincere thank you to Mother Estelle Butler who would come visit frequently and read the bible to her.
Lovey Godwin, thank you so much for your love and kindness that you bestowed upon our Mother.
A special thank you to the staff at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center.
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