Mrs. Harriette Huntley Atkinson

It is with deep sorrow that Hal Atkinson and his family announce the death of his beloved mother, Harriette Huntley Atkinson, 85. Mrs. Atkinson, the widow of Ernest Arthur Atkinson, entered into rest on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The Directors of Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home are caring for the family. A graveside service to honor her life will be held at 2 o'clock on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the High Hill True Light Church Cemetery. Mr. Dwain Watson and Mr. Myron Colvin will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 3:00 until 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Special Olympics of South Carolina at www.so-sc.org or the Enrichment Center of Winston-Salem at www.enrichmentarc.org. Mrs. Atkinson was born on July 15, 1939, in Lee County, SC. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Ralph Huntley and the late Cleala Mae Hancock Huntley. Mrs. Atkinson dedicated her life to the care and benefit of her family as long as she was able. She is most admired for her shining example and unwavering commitment in the care of her firstborn son, Artie, who suffered with microcephaly and severe cerebral palsy throughout his 26 years of life. She spent countless long days and sleepless nights ensuring that Artie was well cared for in every way. Her dedication had a profound impact on Hal and served as inspiration for many others. She encouraged and did her best to instill in Hal the value of hard work and diligence in every pursuit in life. Mrs. Atkinson has been a supportive mother-in-law to Heidi over the past 27 years and loving Grandma for Liam over the last 12 years. After many years of healthy retirement after Artie's passing, Mrs. Atkinson became a primary caregiver again for her husband, Arthur, as he developed multiple medical problems and dementia. As in her prior caregiving role, she demonstrated unparalleled dedication. She will be greatly missed, but her example of excellence will not be forgotten. She is survived by her loving son, Hal Atkinson (Heidi Klepin) of Winston-Salem, NC, and grandson, Liam Atkinson of Winston-Salem, NC; sisters, Katie Mae H. Sims and Norma H. Davidson (Kenneth). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ernest Arthur "Artie" Atkinson, Jr; brothers, Carroll Josey Huntley, James Robert Huntley, and Julius Olyn Huntley; and sister, Joyce Huntley Marsh. The family would like to thank Dr. Franklin Watkins, Dr. Scott Sheldon, and the excellent staff of Brookridge Healthcare Center in Winston-Salem for their dedicated and compassionate care of Mrs. Atkinson.

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Mrs. Harriette Huntley Atkinson

July 15, 1939 - January 15, 2025