Beatrice Whisenhunt Atkins

Birth: Sep. 2, 1918
Death: Nov. 10, 2009

Beatrice Atkins, 91, of Amarillo died Tuesday, Nov. 10. 2009.

Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday in Palo Duro Cemetery in Wildorado with the Rev. Bill Austin officiating. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40.

Mrs. Atkins was born Nina Beatrice Whisenhunt on Sept. 2, 1918, in Munson to Henry and Ethel Whisenhunt. She graduated from Sudan High School in 1937. She married Emmitt A. "Dude" Atkins on Aug. 31, 1940, in Circleback. He preceded her in death.

Mrs. Atkins was an excellent seamstress, having made dresses worn to the Presidential Inaugural Ball and the Cotton Palace Pageant. She worked for Thelma Buckley, Yoes Interior, White & Kirk and finally for John Fountain for more than 30 years. She worked out of her home doing alterations until shortly before her death.

She will always be known as "Aunt Bea" to all her nieces and nephews.

She also was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers.

Survivors include a daughter, Judy Atkins of Amarillo; and a sister, Mavis Green and husband Al of Wildorado.

Amarillo Globe-News, Nov. 11, 2009