Merle Atkinson departed from this life at the age of 92 at Magnolia Regional Hospital. She has been a resident of Dogwood Plantation Assisted Living for the past two years. She was born in Geraldine, Montana on June 1, 1917, to the late B.W. and Irene Armstrong of Geraldine. She married her High School Sweetheart,Chesley B. Atkinson in 1935. They traveled the U.S. following his service career in the Navy. He died in 1984 after 49 years of marriage. Merle was a homemaker and loved crafts and sewing. She is survived by four daughters, Joan Cantrell (Ray) of Milllington, TN, Joyce Sigman (James "Sig" deceased) of Mt. Juliet, TN, Leslie Reed (James) of Walnut, MS, Pam Shipp (Jim) of Sparks, NV; one brother, Henry Armstrong of Geraldine, MT. 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one grandson,(Greg Bartlett Sigman), one grand-daughter (Susan Lynn Shipp) and two sisters, Opal Armstrong and Nina Anderson. Pallbearers will be James Reed, Michael Reed, Jim Shipp, Jimmy Shipp and Ricky Moore. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 7 followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Chapel, 6755 Hwy 51 North, Millington, TN with burial to follow. In Lieu of flowers, please send contribution to The Alzheimer Association, 225 Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, Ill, 60601.