Virginia Atkison

Mrs. Virginia Almeta Atkison, 86, of Corning, AR., passed away at home Thursday, July 14, 2011. Mrs. Atkison was born in Corning, AR., on December 20, 1924. She was a retired director of Black River Area Developement Head Start Program, she was instrumental in getting the Early Head Start Program initiated State-wide. She was a Kindergarten Teacher for many years, she devoted her life to children and loved her community. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Corning.

She was married to Billy Richard Atkison, he preceded her in death on December 28, 1970.

She is survied by two sons Rick Atkison and wife Mary of Little Rock, AR., Randy Atkison and wife Cherry of Flowood, MS.; two daughters Robin and husband Jim Black of Collierville, TN., Paige and husband Bruce Catt of Corning, AR.; nine grandchildren Caleigh and Clayton Catt, Natalie, Allison and Bentley Black, Richard, Blake, Randy Jr. and Vaughan Atkison; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents Albert and Maude Smith; and daughter Julia Marie.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Steve Patterson officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Richwoods Cemetery in Corning. Public visitation will be held Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 9:00 AM until the time of service.

Memorials may be made to The Children’s Shelter, 107 Venson Dr., Walnut Ridge, AR. 72476 or to the Corning Library Building Fund, 613 Pine, Corning 72422.