Eloise Bunker Atkins

Mrs. Eloise Bunker Atkins, 76, of Pilot Mountain, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 7, 2007, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Atkins was born September 17, 1930, in Surry County, to Byron D. and Maude Key Bunker. Mrs. Atkins was a member of Dover Baptist Church and retired from Surry County Department of Social Services after thirty years of service. She enjoyed her family, flowers, birds, gardening, and playing cards with her sisters every week. She opened her home to many foster children and never knew a stranger. She is survived by her husband, Chester Ray "Check" Atkins of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth "Beth" and Paul Beeson of Pilot Mountain; a son and daughter-in-law, M. Wayne and Robin Atkins of Pinnacle; a foster daughter, Teresa Eloise "Teri" Bunker of Mount Airy; four grandchildren and spouses, Christopher Wayne and Stephanie Atkins of Pilot Mountain, Kevin Dean and Ashley Atkins of King, and Danielle Beeson and Jacob Beeson, both of Pilot Mountain; three great grandchildren, Ethan Atkins, Garrett Atkins, and Gavin Atkins, all of Pilot Mountain; five sisters and three brothers-in-law, Marie Snow of Mount Airy, Lena and Ivy Stack of Winston-Salem, and Nonnie and Edd East, Ruby and Glen East, and Byrona Atkins, all of White Plains; four sisters-in-law, Stella Marion, Pansy Allen, and Faye Edwards, all of White Plains, and Estelle Atkins of King; a brother-in-law, Harvey Atkins of White Plains; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Atkins was preceded in death by an infant brother, Wayne Bunker; and a great granddaughter, Grayson Jade Atkins. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 2:00 PM at Dover Baptist Church. The service will be conducted by the Rev. J. Cecil Hill, the Rev. Ricky Atkins, and Mr. Gary York. Burial will follow in the Dover Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Dover Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful care given by Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care and Central Continuing Care. Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy is assisting the Atkins family.