Janice Inell Atkinson, 1937–2022
Janice Inell (Granny) Atkinson went home to be with her Lord and her husband on October 4, 2022 at her home in Dickens, Texas, at the age of 84.
Inell was born on October 7, 1937 in Dickens, Texas, to Thurmond and Avis Lewis. She married the love of her life, CL Atkinson, in 1954. The couple were blessed with five children whom they taught about the love of Jesus Christ. Inell was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Spur, Texas, and attended faithfully. She was always supportive of her children and encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Over the years, Inell had many jobs. She was babysitter to a great many children in the Dickens area. She also worked at Patton Springs School for many years as a teacher’s aide. But her primary job was always devoted wife and mother. She taught all her boys how to cook. Inell loved singing in church, either with the congregation or with special music and playing the piano (although she would claim she played poorly). She also loved to sew and quilt. She made numerous quilts and some clothing for her grandchildren. Inell was also a passionate lover of animals.
Granny is survived by her five sons, Jeff of Denton, Texas; Terry and wife, Debbie, of Spur, Texas; Joe and wife, Betty Renée, of Dickens, Texas; Barry and wife, Lillian, of Dickens, Texas; and Brent and wife, Jerri, of Dickens, Texas. She is survived by 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Inell is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Geraldene Willmon and Bobby Hix (Honey), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Inell is preceded in death by her husband, CL Atkinson; brother Jerry Lewis; brother Stanley Lewis; and two grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Zapata Funeral Home in Spur, Texas. Services were held Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Spur, Texas, followed by interment at the Dickens Cemetery. Pastor Jamie Braly officiated the service under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home.
