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Shirley Atkins Hartman, 72, of Jacksonville, FL passed away Tuesday March 12, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1951,to David and Edith 'Edee' Atkins. They moved to Jacksonville, FL in the 1950s for warmer weather and to grow their family. Shirley was the oldest of five children, Charles 'Chuck' Atkins, John Atkins, Bethany Atkins and Debra 'Debbie' Atkins.
Shirley attended Wolfson High School, Class of 1969 and was a very proud Alumni. After graduation, she moved to Gainesville, FL where she attended the University of Florida. Sarasota, FL was her next home where she enjoyed the beach life for over 20 years and that is also where her daughter, Casey 'Cece' Hartman Nietz was born.
In 1994, the move was made back to be closer to her family, Jacksonville, FL. Family was very important to her and she was at every family event from Easter, to the Atkins Cookie Day. She never missed a holiday gathering and reveled in the traditions of our family.
She was also a very talented artist. If you were her friend, there is a good chance you have received a personalized birthday or holiday card from her at some point. She was the reason behind her daughter's artistic path. She also began instilling that artistic talent in her grandson Henrik.
Shirley loved being outside, especially at the beach. She loved walking and watching the sun rise, letting the sun tan her skin and smelling the salt air. The only things she loved more than the beach were spending time with her daughter and grandson.
Shirley is proceeded in death by: Her parents, David and Edee Atkins
She is Survived by; Her daughter Cece Hartman Nietz and her husband Luke Nietz, her grandson, Henrik Nietz; Her Siblings, Charles 'Chuck' Atkins, John Atkins, Bethany Atkins and Debra 'Debbie' Atkins; Her Nieces and nephews, David Atkins, Mikey Atkins, Taylor Atkins, Calista Persson, Adara Pappas, Marc Pappas, Andrew Toupin, Pierce Toupin.
Celebration of life will be held at 11am Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Lakewood Presbyterian Church. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Beaches Turtle Patrol
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Shirley Atkins Hartman, 72, of Jacksonville, FL passed away Tuesday March 12, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1951,to David and Edith 'Edee' Atkins. They moved to Jacksonville, FL in the 1950s for warmer weather and to grow their family. Shirley was the oldest of five children, Charles 'Chuck' Atkins, John Atkins, Bethany Atkins and Debra 'Debbie' Atkins.
Shirley attended Wolfson High School, Class of 1969 and was a very proud Alumni. After graduation, she moved to Gainesville, FL where she attended the University of Florida. Sarasota, FL was her next home where she enjoyed the beach life for over 20 years and that is also where her daughter, Casey 'Cece' Hartman Nietz was born.
In 1994, the move was made back to be closer to her family, Jacksonville, FL. Family was very important to her and she was at every family event from Easter, to the Atkins Cookie Day. She never missed a holiday gathering and reveled in the traditions of our family.
She was also a very talented artist. If you were her friend, there is a good chance you have received a personalized birthday or holiday card from her at some point. She was the reason behind her daughter's artistic path. She also began instilling that artistic talent in her grandson Henrik.
Shirley loved being outside, especially at the beach. She loved walking and watching the sun rise, letting the sun tan her skin and smelling the salt air. The only things she loved more than the beach were spending time with her daughter and grandson.
Shirley is proceeded in death by: Her parents, David and Edee Atkins
She is Survived by; Her daughter Cece Hartman Nietz and her husband Luke Nietz, her grandson, Henrik Nietz; Her Siblings, Charles 'Chuck' Atkins, John Atkins, Bethany Atkins and Debra 'Debbie' Atkins; Her Nieces and nephews, David Atkins, Mikey Atkins, Taylor Atkins, Calista Persson, Adara Pappas, Marc Pappas, Andrew Toupin, Pierce Toupin.
Celebration of life will be held at 11am Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Lakewood Presbyterian Church. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Beaches Turtle Patrol
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
https://www.classcreator.com/Jacksonville-FL-Samuel-W-Wolfson-1969/
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Jerry Alden Howalt
I'm in disbelief on the untimely passing of Shirley. It was just a few months ago she called me in San Antonio concerning the reunion. We had a great and funny conversation. She has put in so much time and passion into our website and reunions. We all will sadly miss her. Condolences to her family and God Bless! RIP Shirley!
Kathie Bozard (Barker)
My heart is broken over the loss of Shirley. She was such a vital part of keeping our class website updated. She had such a vibrant personality and was always so thoughtful at remembering our birthdays. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
William Patrick [Pat] Hinely
All who follow this site owe Shirley a huge thank-you for keeping it happening. I offer her a grateful salute upon her untimely departure.
Sidney Milton Leheup
So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was always fun to chat with. I had chatted with her a few months back. Will really be missed. Prayers to her family.Nancy Herrick Osgood
I am so so sorry to hear of Shirley passing! She was such a vibrant, creative , and loving person. Although we haven't seen each other in years, she will always hold a special place in my heart as a really good friend. Family was everything to her and I know she will be deeply missed by everyone. Thank you,Shirley for being the person you were and touching so many lives. We will miss you .Nancy OLibby Wade (Neves)
Oh no! I will miss Shirley. It is unfair that she will not be at a renunion so close to time. Especially since she had put so much energy into keeping us in touch. For example: before the 50th reunion, Shirley realized that my picture was not in the Wolfson 1969 Annual. She got in touch and offered to include my picture on my name tag if I could send her the image. She voluteered to do something I would never have dreamed of asking for. Shirley went the extra mile for me. In grammer school, Shirley's mother, and Joyce Lynn's parents, were Girl Scout leaders for troup 311(?). They took us on real in the woods, make your own sleeping bag (pinned together with blanket pins), homemade buddy burners, light your own fire, pitch your tent, camping trips! Selling Girl Scout cookies door to door, nearly getting killed riding out-of-control ponies headed for the barn, and Mr. Lynn teaching each and every one of us to polka by campfire light. Shirley's mother certainly had vision and energy. Shirley came by it honestly. Sincere condolences to her family. I bet growing up was a never a dull moment experience.
Bruce Barringer
I am saddened to hear the news about Shirley. At the 50th we shared some life experiences that brought us closer as friends. I live 700 miles away, but we have talked multiple times and I view her as a good friend. I will miss her. I know her contributions to the various reunion activities will be missed and I thank her for that.
Elizabeth Breedlove (Aka Shannon West)
I was really shocked to see she had made her transition. When she recruited me to do the music for the reunion we had several wonderful conversations including one about not allowing negative experiences we had during high school to keep us from friendships with classmates in the present. I mean after all, it's been 55 years, we have evolved through multiple versions of ourselves by now. I work at JoAnn. She told me she was in there quite often. I probably helped her with fabric or showed her where something she was looking for was located and we didn't recognize each other. After the holiday chaos she was going to do a Cricut graphic for me that said #badassolderwomen (my gym mantra) and show me some of the basics of how Cricut works so I wouldn't be quite as illiterate about it when customers asked questions. I texted her with a reunion question and wondered why she hadn't texted back, it had to be around the time she was hospitalized
When you chat with someone and they are so vibrant and full of life, then find out a short while later that they have passed it's a big reminder to live large while you're here..
Chris Pratt (Whitaker)
I was able to attend the beautiful Witness to Christian Resurection for Shirley. It was held at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, which was our childhood church. Both of our parents were on the building committee together for the new sanctuary that was completed in 1960. It was so nice to see the many classmates that also attended the service. It is wonderful knowing that Shirley professed her faith in Jesus and made it known to others, like myself. It brings so much peace and encouragement to all of us still running this earthly race. In Jesus we do not have to say goodbye but see you later. See you later Shirley, my sweet friend.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Anita Olivia [Nita] Barnett (Campbell)
Loved reading all of these wonderful comments and accolades about Shirley. She was a gem. So sweet and genuine. I got to see her years ago when visiting family in Jax. She was still as engaging and delightful as ever! She will be missed. Glad to know many classmates were able to stay in touch with each other (and her) through the postings here, reunions, and other special events.