Kimberly Redden Atkinson, 54, of Early, Texas, passed away December 15, 2022. A Celebration of her Life will be held at Victory Life Church, 901 CC Woodson Rd, Early, TX 76802, Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM with a coffee gathering session after the service in true tribute to Kim. Additional celebrations will be held in Virginia at a later date.
Kim Atkinson was born June 22, 1968, in Dover, New Jersey. She graduated from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake VA in 1986. She went on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree at Radford University in Fashion Merchandising and Business in 1990. Kim married Melvin Atkinson on October 16, 1993 starting a wonderful life together that blessed them with 3 awesome children. In her youth Kim loved to participate in 4-H; showing livestock, competing in Dressage and developing her leadership skills. She was a wrestling Cheerleader for her State Champion Great Bridge Wildcats. She was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority holding the office of Secretary and planning many events for her sisters. She was an adult volunteer for the Virginia Beach 4-H Teen Club helping members with various community and civic projects helping to develop essential life skills. Kim was always actively involved in the life of her kids. Volunteering at their schools and participating in and leading the PTA in both Virginia Beach and Isle of Wight Public Schools. Kim loved all the students and eventually would substitute and become a teacher’s assistant in Windsor Elementary and Windsor Middle School. She was especially involved with the students in the special education program. She worked as a 4-H Extension Agent in Southampton and Isle of Wight Counties before changing careers. She was able to secure her dream job working at the Suffolk Cultural Arts Center where she was the Program Director. She was always there for her kids in whatever they were doing and carried many titles: Soccer Mom, Dance mom, cheer mom, theater/forensics mom, softball/baseball mom, quiz bowl mom and Community Activist. Participated in mission trip to El Salvador and loved to travel. Got involved in Community Theater in Smithfield Virginia. Worked stage crew and acted in several plays and even was the Lead in “The Best/ Worst Christmas Pageant Ever”. Kim loved being a part of her church families, including 1st Presbyterian in Virginia Beach (where she taught Sunday School). Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church of Princess Anne (where she volunteered in the Nursery and was involved with several groups), she participated in MOPS at Creeds Church of Christ and eventually joined Hope Presbyterian in Smithfield, VA (Sunday school teacher) and then Victory Life in Brownwood Texas where she was involved in the Community Outreach Program. She was very creative and flourished working with music, theater and the arts. Moving to Texas was exciting but very difficult to leave her friends, family and co-workers. When she moved, she became involved as fast as she could as an Ambassador for the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce and volunteering for the Texas 4-H Center.
Kim is survived by her husband, Melvin Atkinson of Early, Texas; daughters, Madison Atkinson of Early & Katilynne Atkinson of Early; son, Kole Atkinson of Early; Father, John Redden and his wife, Virginia of Ocala, FL; mother, Robin Freeman and her husband Tom of Chesapeake, VA; brother, Brian Redden and wife Sarah and their three children, Austin, Ember and Kylie of Midlothian, VA; Father-in-law, Eugene Atkinson of Mechanicsville, VA; Sister-in-law, Theresa Atkinson of Mechanicsville, VA; and many cousins, colleagues, neighbors, church family and friends.
Kim was preceded in death by her Mother-in-law, Gaynelle Atkinson of Mechanicsville, VA.
In Lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a gift to the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts, online at https://suffolkcenter.org/donate/ checks can also be mailed to the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts, 110 West Finney Ave, Suffolk VA 23434.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
