Betty Jean (James) Atkins, 94, passed away March 10, 2021, at her home 7 miles southeast of Lawson, where she and her husband, Arthur Allen Atkins, resided for 42 years.

She was the daughter of Albert C. and Gladys (Wise) James, born July 15, 1926, in the front bedroom of her grandparents’ home. She attended Murray School and then Lawson High School, graduating in 1943. Wanting to be a teacher, she attended summers at Missouri State Teacher’s College at Maryville, and received her teacher’s certificate to begin teaching at Murray School at age 17. She continued to teach and attend college each summer until 1949.

She was married on Nov. 24, 1948, to Allen Atkins at Old Union Church. They were blessed with 72 years of marriage. They lived in Columbia, Marshall and Platte City before moving back to her parents’ farm in 1980.

Betty is survived by her husband, Allen; two daughters, Gayle Geiger of Lawson and Nancy Parsons (Tim) of Richland, Iowa; two sons, Lyle Atkins (Pam) of Olathe, Kansas, and Daryl Atkins (Linda) of Lawson; and her grandchildren, Kurt Geiger (Linzi), Klynt Geiger, Kyle Geiger (Roberta), Matthew Parsons (Jen), Phillip Parsons (Jessica), Daniel Atkins (Amaris), Jonathan Atkins (Amy) and Melody Syphert (Tim). Also surviving are 19 greatgrandchildren and a sister, June Logan of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with many other nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was a grandson, Andrew Atkins.

Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service, Saturday, March 13, at Old Union Church.

She loved her grandchildren, horses, cats and dogs, along with her garden and flowers, but will most of all be remembered for her love of God and her many years of faithful service teaching Sunday School and leading Bible studies.

One of her common expressions was, “Just think, we’ll all be in heaven together someday.” Until then, Mom, we will carry on as you have taught us.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Old Union Cemetery, Lawson.

Arrangements were by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney. Phone: 816-903-8888.