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FRANKLIN – Faith Dianne Atkinson, 77, passed away on Dec. 4, 2022 in her home with family by her side. Faith was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 1, 1945, to Lois M. and Horace W. Lovelace. She grew up in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Montgomery High School and Lock Haven State Teacher’s College, later receiving her master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University. Faith spent almost 50 years in education, the last 37 years in the Franklin City Public Schools. She was a long-time devoted and active member of Franklin Congregational Christian Church.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 48 years, William R. Atkinson III; sons John Hinkle of Franklin and Woody Atkinson (Michelle) of Wake Forest, North Carolina; grandchildren John Hinkle (Taylor), Ashten Putnam (Dalton), Braden Atkinson and Canen Atkinson; great-grandson Ronan Hinkle; and sister Cindy Harris (Gary) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by her parents; a daughter, Dawn Arlee Hinkle and brothers, Lynn and Russell Lovelace.

Faith’s family expresses special thanks to Faith’s sister, Cindy Harris, her sister-in-law, Pat Cobb and her niece, Ashley Atkinson for their care, comfort and kindness given to her. The family is extremely grateful to Faith’s nurses and aide at Sentara Hospice Care for their outstanding and loving care, for their knowledge and commitment to her.

Visitation will be held at Wright Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. James H. Hyatt Jr. and the Rev. Lafayette T. Wilkins Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 N. High Street, Franklin, VA 23851 or to the Franklin City Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 634, Franklin, VA 23851.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org