Frances Louise Jenkins Atkinson was born in Charleston on June 26, 1927, and died peacefully at her home on Friday, March 29, 2024. Frances was the third child born to Daniel Francis "Frank" and Anna Louisa Walpole Jenkins. She cherished being raised on their farm on Jenkins Farm Road on the Abbapoola Creek alongside her three sisters, Ann Agard, Denie Gourley, Carmen Bentz and two brothers, Benjamin Jenkins, DF Jenkins. Many childhood memories were made being raised on the "island" and watching her hard-working parents guide them with a strong work ethic and deep family bond. Her father encouraged Frances to follow her love of music when she graduated from Johns Island High School and to continue her education at Columbia College. There she graduated with a BS in Music and Minor in English and was recognized as a member of Alpha Kappa Gamma, an honorary leadership fraternity.

Her first job was a music teacher in the Mullins schools as well as children's choir director at Macedonia United Methodist Church where she met her husband, William DuPree (Billy) Atkinson, Sr of 72 years. She initially taught music in the public schools (Mullins and Floyd's) and later spent 40 years teaching kindergarten and music at Pee Dee Academy. She was a staunch supporter of PDA and the education it provided. She adored the many children that she taught and could often be found crowded by them at PDA ball games and local restaurants. They loved "Mrs. Frances" as she encouraged them to "sing, Chillen, sing".

Frances was an avid churchgoer in St Johns Episopal and Macedonia UMC churches with a knack for arts and crafts including embroidery, cross-stitch, and painting. She also enjoyed refinishing furniture for PDA Gingerbread house and going "junking" on the weekends with her close friends.

As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Frances enjoyed promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. She served as treasurer of the Blue Savannah DAR for many years and was involved in the Swamp Fox chapter as a member. She was also in many organizations including the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists and National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Frances is survived by husband, Billy, of the home and their four children: Frierson Atkinson, DuPree (Celia) Atkinson, Frank Atkinson, and Ann (Terry) Doran, six grandchildren: James (Sarah) Atkinson, Daniel (Meredith) Atkinson, Legare (John) Nettles, Will (Nicole) Atkinson, Catherine (Ryne) Slack, and Satcher (Katie) Bell, 11 great grandchildren: Gracyn Ball, Frances Atkinson, Margaret Atkinson, Collins Atkinson, Sawyer Atkinson, Elizabeth Nettles, June Bell, Ella Atkinson, Dylan Atkinson, Carrie Slack, and John Nettles, 2 special "daughters", Bobbie Daniel and Kate (Edwin) Haskell, her beloved sister-in-law, Pauline Edwards, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., March 31, 2024 in the Fellowship Hall at Macedonia UMC and at other times at the home of DuPree and Celia Atkinson. Celebration of life will be held at Macedonia UMC, Mullins beginning at 2:00 p.m., April 1, 2024.  Burial at Cedardale Cemetery following the service. Meares Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the caregivers, Sallie Ceo, Thelma Crawford, Mary Davis, Ashanti Dockery, Vernetta Farrish, and Karen Reaves who were a gifted, dedicated, and radiant presence in Frances' life. Also, a grateful thanks to the staff of MSA Hospice Services for their compassion and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Frances to Pee Dee Academy, P.O. Box 449, Mullins, SC 29574, RYR1 Foundation, P.O. Box 13312, Pittsburgh, PA, 15243, or the charity of your choice.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.