Rachel Eugenia Atkins

Rachel Eugenia Martin Atkins, 93 was born on November 6, 1928, at home in Baltimore County, MD and died at home on April 15, 2022, in Madison, AL.  She was the daughter of the late Harry and Mildred K Martin and is survived by her best friend and sister Beverly M. Norton; she was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Kenneth Martin. Eugenia was a registered nurse, graduating in 1949 from the Maryland Hospital for Women and Children.  She began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse, took a hiatus to raise her family, and later returned as a general medicine and surgery nurse.

In 1950, Eugenia married the late Dr. Joseph T. Atkins.  Throughout their 50-year marriage, she supported Joseph, especially as he earned his PhD in Chemistry.  Together, they renovated a 200-year-old farmhouse in Barlow, OH.  Together, they loved, raised, and educated 4 children: Dr Dianne Atkins (Dr Andy Bertolatus), Linda Atkins (Jeff Carson), Rebecca Hamilton (COL Mike Hamilton) and David Atkins (Caryn Atkins).  She especially loved being Gran-mommie to Matthew (Jen) Bertolatus, Jessica (Tim Kaufman) Edkins, David (Jill) Bertolatus, Erik (Samantha) Hamilton, Greg (Rachael) Hamilton, Nathan, and Natalie Atkins and Great-Gran-mommie to Avy, and Lucy Bertolatus, Viola and Frederick Kaufman and George Hamilton.  She was looking forward to the birth of two more great grandsons.  She was unwaveringly supportive of her children and their families.

Sewing, smocking, and quilting were Eugenia’s passions.  She taught herself smocking and quilting and taught classes around the Mid-Ohio Valley.  The smocked clothing and quilts she made for each family member are treasured items and are being passed down to subsequent generations.  

Throughout her life, Eugenia was active in her church wherever she lived, teaching Sunday School or VBS, singing in the church choir, leading the church’s women’s organization, or preparing communion.

A memorial service will be held at Woodbrook Baptist Church, Baltimore MD at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made St. Jude’s Hospital or Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley (Parkersburg, WV).