Obituary of Rev. Janet W. Atkins
Rev. Janet W. Atkins entered into heaven triumphantly Friday morning, May 26, 2017, having reached 90 years of age. She was a resident of Absolut Care of Aurora Park in East Aurora, NY.
Rev. Janet Atkins was born on March 8, 1927, in Pleasantville, PA, to the late George and Sylvia Wright Watson. She married Rev. Dr. William F. Atkins on July 25, 1949, in Pleasantville. He preceded her to their final reward on July 15, 1992.
A graduate of Pleasantville High School and Houghton College in New York, she completed post graduate studies at American University in Washington, D.C.
Rev. Janet Atkins was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1983. She served churches in Alma, NY, Allentown, NY, and Camp Street United Methodist Church in Jamestown, NY, before retiring from ministry in 1990.
Her love of music and singing was apparent very early in life; she performed in church at the tender age of three. Rev. Janet Atkins taught music in the Buffalo Public Schools and served as a music and choir director for numerous churches and congregations, always willing and prepared to use her gifts to further God's kingdom.
Rev. Janet Atkins is survived by six children: Bonnie Smeal and husband Ted of East Aurora, NY, Faith Nobilucci and husband Larry of Johnstown, OH, Roger Atkins of Chadds Ford, PA, Barbara Landas and husband Frank Lee of Albany, NY, Daniel Atkins and wife Becky of Oil City, PA, Stephen Atkins and wife Cherie of Heath, OH; 15 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Watson.
Friends may call at the Hennes-Garrett Funeral Home, 203 E. Main St., Titusville, PA 16354 on Friday, June 2nd, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A small committal service for friends and family will be held at the Fairview Cemetery Chapel on Saturday, June 3rd, at 1:00 p.m. A worship service celebrating Rev. Janet W. Atkins’ life will then be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasantville United Methodist Church, 102 Merrick St., Pleasantville, PA 16341. The church is located on the NW corner of the intersection of Merrick St. and N. Main St. Rev. Janet Sill, pastor of the church, and Rev. Timothy Maybray, pastor of the Titusville Free Methodist Church, will be officiating. All are invited to attend and fellowship together at a luncheon to follow.
Interment will be in the existing family plot located in the Fairview Cemetery, Pleasantville.
Memorial contributions may be made to any chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or to the charity of one’s choice.
If you would like to leave condolences for the family, they may be electronically posted at garrettfuneralhomeinc.com.
