Linda Jean Atkinson of Tuckerman, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the age of 77. She was born April 4, 1947, in Newport, the daughter of John Linton Atkinson and Aretta Elizabeth (Houchin) Atkinson.
Ms. Atkinson enjoyed working on puzzles, taking trips to Tunica, camping, swimming, and birdwatching. She was a wonderful cook and loved listening to Christian music. Always full of joy, Ms. Atkinson was happy most of the time. She was a devoted mother who especially cherished visiting with her family and friends.
Ms. Atkinson was preceded in death by one son, David Smalley; four brothers, Jimmie, Wilburn, and Albert Mansfield, and William Atkinson; three sisters, Margie Welch, Blanche Henderson, and Beatrice Cook; and her parents.
She is survived by one son, Billy Atkinson of Jacksonport; one daughter, Bobbie Atkinson of Diaz; one sister, Shelia Loftin of Tuckerman; twelve grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her caretakers, Clarissa, Whitney, and Sharon.
Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home, on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are David Beshears, Floyd Murphree, Body Kagen, Garrett Tubbs, Stevie Jiles, and Mark Atkinson. Her son, Billy Atkinson, will be an honorary pallbearer.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
