Barbara Anne Hatcher Atkins, 75, of Roanoke County, VA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 8, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of John (Bill) Atkins, pastor of Southside Baptist Church, where she faithfully committed herself to volunteering in nearly all ministry areas. Preceding her in death were her parents, James (Jim) T. & Alice J. McCray Hatcher; and brotherin-law, Leon Thacker. Her surviving family includes her husband of 58 years, the Rev. John (Bill) W. Atkins; daughter, Teresa Atkins Walters; sisters, Linda Crawford & husband, Barry, and Judy Thacker; brother, Donnie Hatcher & wife, Fran; grandchildren, Emerson Schoonover III & wife, Christie, Adam Schoonover & wife, Amy, April Walters Santos & husband, Christopher, and Joshua Walters & girlfriend, Jessica Boardwine; great grandchildren, Taylor Schoonover, Gabriella Schoonover, Emma Schoonover, Jayden Alley and Christopher Walters who was also her special buddy; special niece, Jennifer Crawford; special nephews, Jimmy Richardson & wife, Terry, and Jeffrey Thacker; a large number of great-nieces and great-nephews; and many special friends from Southside Baptist Church. A period of visitation will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010, at 11 a.m. also in the funeral home's chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Dr. Billy Martin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's name may be made to Southside Baptist Church at 2721 Twelve O'Clock Knob Road in Salem, Va. 24153. The Atkins family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem.

ROANOKE TIMES, Sat, Oct 9, 2010