Barbra Ann Atkinson

Barbra Ann Atkinson (né Langley) of Powder Springs, Georgia passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 5 at the age of 77 after suffering from multiple illnesses. She and her husband Bruce have lived in Powder Springs since 1989.

Born January 27, 1948 in Trumann, Arkansas, Barbra (known by family as “Bobby”) grew up in central Louisiana not far from Alexandria. She was in the last small graduating class of Forest Hill High School (1966) before the school was consolidated with three other area high schools. She then served in the U.S. Air Force in administrative services and received an Honorable Discharge in 1967. Following her military service, she took classes in a business college and worked in various jobs including as a clerk in financial services.

On April 26, 1971, she married Bruce Atkinson in a small wedding ceremony at the Air Force chapel at England AFB, Louisiana where Bruce was based. In May of that year, when Bruce suddenly received orders to serve in Vietnam, Barbra went to live with the Atkinsons at Anchor Hill Ranch near Springfield, Missouri, where she became quite close with her second family.

Barbra and Bruce were “perfectly married” for 53 years. This included 1986 when their daughter Amanda was born in Pasadena, California, where Barbra was working as a Licensed Practical Nurse and where Bruce was finishing his studies in clinical psychology and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of Psychology. Amanda is married to Stephen Nicholas (“Nick”) Dulaney from Dallas, GA and they currently live in Monroe, GA.

Barbara worked a number of jobs during their marriage, including that of meter reader for Illinois Power Company and assorted duties working f0r Michael’s in arts and crafts. Barbra is known for her oil painting prowess.

When her husband went into private practice as a clinical psychologist, Barbra took on the important role as his Practice Manager, interacting in her friendly fashion with his clients and taking on the onerous task of dealing with insurance companies. She will always be remembered for her infectious sense of humor and common sense wisdom.

As a Christian, Barbra served her Anglican church on the flower guild and later as a member of the Vestry, helping to straighten out their financial difficulties. Her favorite hymn has always been “Amazing Grace.”

Barbra was preceded in death many years ago by both parents. She is survived by her husband Bruce, her daughter Amanda Dulaney, two sisters (Yvonne Humphries and Diane Coker of Glenmora, LA), two brothers (Randall and David Ingo), and numerous nieces and nephews.

“A person’s mind plans his way, but Lord orders His steps.”

(Proverbs 16:9) 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, 

it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest anyone should boast. 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, 

which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

(Ephesians 2:8-10)