Tina Delois Atkins

Tina Delois Atkins was born January 6, 1960, to the late James Ezekiel Maddox and Mildred Beatrice Maddox in Monroe, LA. Tina was the third oldest child of six siblings born to this union.

Tina was a graduate of El Dorado High School, Class of 1978, El Dorado AR. Tina was accepted to Arkansas School of Arts in her junior year of high school. She was a great cartoonist. After high school, she continued her education and graduated from Grambling State University on May 16, 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. While attending Grambling State University she was a member of the Department of Music using her talent and skills as a violinist. Tina performed as a GSU Tiger Cheerleader. She also was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Tina was admired and loved by many during and after her years as a student and alumnae. She was known to never miss and participate in GSU homecoming activities. Over her life span she worked as a Disease Specialist at the Union County Health Department; Youth Counselor/Director for the State of Houston TX and manager for Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Family Dollar. She was blessed with the gift of building designs, wedding coordinator, portrait painting, seamstress, and to many more to mention. Tina loved traveling, avid reader and deep love for children. She was the protector of all her nieces and nephews. Her desire was to see them develop into Black Excellence. Tina will be missed by her friends, co-workers and colleagues.

Tina accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, El Dorado AR. As a member she served relentlessly in the choir, usher board and other auxiliaries. She later united with First St. James Missionary Baptist Church and continued to serve passionately in the choir, finance committee, kitchen ministry, coordinator of the decor. Tina took pleasure in using her creative skills for all church functions. She loved and adored her friendship/fellowship with the parishioners at her church. Tina shared her gifts/talents freely for her church family. She was known to mean what “she say” but had an unwavering spirit to do all tasks decently and in order. She will be truly missed by her love ones and her church family.

During her journey of life, Tina was a member of many organizations too many to mention. She was a proud member of the Derrick City Temple Number 352 (IBPOEW). Tina received her state honors. She served as state financial secretary, locally as Daughter Ruler vice roller and doorkeeper. She labored on many committees and worked in numerous departments. Tina put her heart and soul in creative ways to keep the organization functional. Her talent and dedication will be dearly missed by the members.

Tina our protector/visionary: She was hard on us…because she had the insight to our weakness. Her desire was to teach us how to survive in a world of the unknown. She would challenge us… in the same breath protect us from hurt, harm and danger. If our beloved Tina could speak to us now… When life is hard, and you don’t know what to do, in my demised ask God to help you. You remember that He will always be with you through life ups/downs and that you are never alone. Know in your hearts that no man but God can protect and give you strength day to day. Know that you cannot face tomorrow without the promise of God presence. Today choose to walk and live under the protection of God. The Most High. I have laid down my labor and now I am at Rest.

Tina was preceded in death by her beloved husband Graylin Atkins; her father James Ezekiel Maddox; her mother Mildred Beatrice Maddox; her brother, Dennis Ray Maddox; her sister Gwendolyn Shrone Jones; beloved brother-in-law Michael Eaglin; and her special friend Paul Jones.

Tina is survived by three sisters; Georgia Hay (El Dorado AR), Shirley Maddox-Stubbs (Jerry) Woodbridge, VA, Samantha Maddox-Eaglin (Woodbridge, VA), two step sisters to mention; Karen Wilson (Randall) El Dorado AR., Belinda Hall- Boone (Mark) El Dorado AR.; three step-brothers, Wilbert Jefferson (Pam) - Shreveport, LA, Melvin Jefferson – (Shreveport, LA), Steve Hawkins, (Bastrop LA.) and one surrogate brother-in-law John L. Hay (El Dorado AR).

Tina leaves to cherish her memories, A host of nieces and nephews. Her surrogate children; Keelyn Moore, Zaylen Moore, Landon Moore, Lauryn Turner; her cousins, beloved neighbors, and friends.

Graveside services, Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 2:30pm at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary.