Dorothy Mae Whited Atkins | Eastern NC Now

    Dorothy Mae Whited Atkins was granted her reward in Paradise on Friday, December 6, 2024. Her bodily battles with dementia and pain were put to death as her soul burst into Heaven to forever enjoy perfection with God. She dedicated her life to him for 92 years and was the epitome of the woman described in Proverbs 31.

    Dorothy was born in Roane County, West Virginia on March 18, 1926, to a loving family whose entrance into Heaven preceded her. Elmer, the baby brother she never met, went home first. Her sister Mildred Phillips was next, followed by her dear parents, Walter and Ethel Raines Whited. Lastly, her sister Ruth Taylor went home to meet her Savior. The family is now complete, reunited, celebrating and praising their Heavenly Father.

    We, who are still running our race, can only imagine the indescribable joy Dorothy is experiencing, along with her husband Curtis who left here only a couple years earlier. He was the love of her life, and together they brought three children into their Christian home. Dorothy lovingly raised the children she bore, constantly guiding them in the paths of righteousness. Still awaiting their trip home are her oldest son, Steve and wife Rennie; daughter Karen Nobles and husband Josh; and youngest son Tom and wife Georgia. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and their spouses: Ashby and husband David Evans; Crystal and husband Kenneth Heath; Jason and wife Sherri Nobles; Stephen and wife Shannon Atkins; Thomas and wife Lauren Atkins; and Emily and husband Matt Carr. Additionally, twelve great-grandchildren survive. One, Lexi Atkins, is deceased and also in Paradise with our Savior. Two great-great grandchildren and two on the way add to Dorothy's ancestry. God also gifted Dorothy with several other special people; an adopted grandson, Kenny Taylor and an adopted great-grandson, Jayden Heath. Niece Sandra Day dedicated much of her time to Dorothy, pouring out her love and appreciation for her dear Aunt. Many others, too numerous to mention, gave of their time and attention, making her life even more enjoyable.

    Proverbs 31 asks, "Who can find a virtuous woman?" Dorothy's family and friends were honored to have known one whose price was far above rubies, whose husband safely trusted in her and whose children still rise up and call her blessed. Dorothy exemplified the woman described in scripture in so many ways. From her youth she was an example of someone who gave her all to the tasks set before her. She graduated with honors from Walton High School in West Virginia. She worked at various jobs in West Virginia and North Carolina. She was a great artist and many homes display her paintings and drawings. She was an excellent cook, hospitable beyond measure and whose table fed hundreds through the years, from the poor to professors. She was a seamstress who could produce garments worthy of kings.

    But, Dorothy's greatest achievements are immeasurable. She shared Christ with countless souls and because of her wisdom and love of God, many of her students also walked paths of righteousness. She was so proud of the young men under her tutelage who went on to disciple others. Because of her example, many women walk virtuously. Her greatest desire was that family members would walk in the steps of Christ.

    A graveside service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC on Monday, December 9 at 2:00PM officiated by grandson, Rev. Matt Carr. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Stephen Atkins, Jason Nobles, Thomas Atkins, David Evans, Kenneth Heath and Kenneth Taylor.

    In lieu of flowers and food, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the church Dorothy and Curtis co-founded decades ago, Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church, their home away from home. The address is 1600 Highland Drive, Washington, NC 27889.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Atkins family.