This is to acknowledge that Cathy Marie Atkins departed this life on Tuesday, May 10, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia.  Cathy was born on July 29, 1958 to the late Mike Atkins Jr. and Corene Avent Atkins in Greensville County, Virginia.  Her upbringing included attending church, sharing in a loving, caring and structured environment, and hard work, especially in education.

Cathy graduated from Greensville County Senior High School in 1976 with numerous awards in education and sports, which included basketball and softball.  Cathy maintained a special bond with coach, Dr. Rachel P. Young, until Dr. Young's recent passing.  For thirteen years, Cathy worked full-time and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. Cathy served as an advisor which positively impacted many to this day. She graduated from VCU in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Automation and Management.  The family was so proud of Cathy's educational accomplishments because she was always dedicated and determined to succeed.  Cathy was a true and dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed going fishing with family and friends.

Soror Cathy Atkins joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. during the Spring of 1979 into the Eta Theta Chapter on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. Some time after graduation, she joined the Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter, the graduate chapter in Richmond, VA. She was a dedicated active member and leader for many years where she served on numerous committees and in several elected positions. Most notably, she served as the Chapter President of Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter from 2005 - 2009 and the undergraduate advisor to Eta Theta Chapter for many years. She was also known for her superior skills of creating chapter publications such as journals, programs, brochures, invitations and tickets.

Most recently she enjoyed connecting with the sorority's alumni of her chapter at VCU for their 45th anniversary and continued to support her graduate chapter designing publications.

We will always remember Cathy's faith and belief in God, which began at an early age when she attended the Washington Park Church of God in Emporia, Virginia.  Cathy became a member of the Twenty-First Street Church of God in 2011. She served as church secretary from 2011 until the time of her passing.  Her secretarial duties included providing weekly church bulletins, annual updates to the church directory, composing resolutions for deceased members and overseeing internet issues and email distributions.  She also at times assisted Bro. Harold Parker with teaching the adult Sunday school class.  Cathy was the go-to person to drive the church van when church members needed to go out of town for revival and/or other services.  On more than one occasion, Cathy drove the pastor and first lady to Florida. She also served as the recording secretary for the Church of God in Virginia for two terms. Cathy was a devoted member of the church and state association, always willing to assist wherever and whenever help was needed.

Cathy was preceded in death by her mother, Corene Atkins; father, Mike Atkins, Jr.; sister, Gladys Harrison Vassor; and two brothers, Thomas L. Atkins and Mike Atkins.  She leaves to mourn her memories, her brother, Percell Atkins; five sisters, Edith M. McCray (Robert), Velma L. Jones; Janet A. Walker, Sandra Johnson and Brenda Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends and associates.