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FRANKLIN – Rose Jewel Faison Atkins, 89, passed away Oct. 11, 2023, in Southampton Memorial Hospital. Born in Sussex County, she was a daughter of the late George Lawrence Faison and Mary Barrett Faison. She was also predeceased by her husband, Edwin David Atkins; a son, Chris Atkins; three sisters, Eunice Hatfield, Evelyn Benton and Pearl Pulley and five brothers, Dan, Mills, Glenn, Samuel and James Faison.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Patricia A. Cannon and Valerie A. Morrell (Chris); two sons, Mark A. Atkins (Cheryl) and Lester E. Atkins (Tina); a brother, Albert Faison; 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews whom she adored; and her best friend, Joyce Spivey.

Rose grew up on a family farm following the depression. She attended school from elementary through high school in Sedley, Virginia. She shared fond memories of her growing up on the farm and the loving relationships she experienced with her parents and siblings.

Prior to her marriage she worked for the Franklin Telephone Company as an operator. She met and married Edwin after he returned home from his stent in the Army during the Korean War.

After having five kids she went back to work part time at various employers to help with family income to make ends meet. In 1969 the family moved from Franklin to Virginia Beach. After 15 years of marriage, Edwin, her husband, passed away. She never remarried and remained in Virginia Beach with her children.

She took work full-time in a hospital and later at several jobs as she raised five children as a single parent.

She was a woman of faith just like her mother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She rocked them, read and sang to them and took them on outings whenever she could. She was a wonderful mother and will be dearly missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15 in Wright Funeral Home, 206 West 4^th Avenue in Franklin with the Rev. Curtis Faison officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Spring Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home one hour prior to the service and suggests that memorial donations be made to any favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org