Lavern Atkins

Mr. Lavern Atkins, age 86, of Ararat, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Mr. Atkins was born in Surry County on January 31, 1932, to William Oliver and Zita Watson Atkins.  He was retired from Newport News Shipyard, and was a faithful member of Little Mountain Baptist Church.  Surviving are his daughters, Sheila Ferris, and Pam Atkins; a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Christina Atkins; grandchildren, Shanna Harrison, Melissa Harrison, Todd Harrison, Thaddeus Atkins, Allison Atkins, Carlee Dise, Cynthia Dise, Jessica Ferris, and Melanie Griffin; eleven great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a brother, Greer Oliver Atkins; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Atkins was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Marie Sebastian Atkins; sisters, Beulah Jones, Violet Butner, Ila Fay Atkins, and Anna Atkins; and brothers, Wade, Calvin, and Claude Atkins.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at Little Mountain Baptist Church by the Rev. Billy Watson.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday night from 6:00 until 8:00.