ANNABEL “NAN” ATKINS
Heaven welcomed its newest angel on August 2, 2005. Annabel “Nan” McCarthy Atkins was born on April 18, 1915 to James J. and Annabel Ledlie McCarthy in Savannah, Georgia. Nan had a wonderful childhood in Savannah attending St. Vincent’s Academy. She was a member of Girl Scout Troop 18 and had the pleasure of taking tea with Juliette Low in her home. As a young girl, Nan had many hobbies. She loved to read, play tennis, basketball, soccer and rode horses. Nan loved dancing at the Tybee Beach Pavillion to the “Big Bands”, especially Glenn Miller and the Dorsey Brothers.
In December of 1931, Nan met James Walter Atkins, Jr. at a Christmas dance. Nan and Jim married on April 20, 1939. They took a honeymoon cruise from Miami to Galveston and settled in Beaumont where Jim was employed by Gulf States Utilities Company. Nan and Jim, with all of their children and grandchildren in attendance, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1989.
Nan had a very active life in Beaumont raising her four daughters. She was a devoted member of St. Anne Catholic Church and was probably the longest active member of the PTA at St. Anne and Kelly High Schools. Nan played in several bridge clubs, some for more than sixty years. She most enjoyed traveling, her bags were always packed! Nan was blessed to see Ireland. She put on snow skis at 60 years of age, rode “Space Mountain” at 75 and parasailed in the Caribbean at 82! She couldn’t wait to show pictures to the bridge club!
In March of 1996, Jim passed away. Nan is survived by her children, Nancy Van Os and her husband, George, Bette Atkins, Patty Terry, Kathy Falkenhagen and her husband Bill. Also surviving Nan are her six grandchildren and their spouses, Laura Gilchrist and Andrew, George “Chip” Van Os and Christina, Kyle Falkenhagen, James “Ad” Terry, Kurt Falkenhagen, and Colleen Terry. Nan’s many smiles and much laughter of the past seven years were provided by her four beautiful great granddaughters, Mackie Gilchrist, Georgia Van Os, Ellie Gilchrist and Anna Van Os. Nan is also survived by her “fifth daughter” Bonnie Goodwin.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Calder Woods and Odyssey Healthcare who made these past few years bearable for the most wonderful mother in the face of the earth.
Heaven is a happier place today.
A gathering of Family and friends will begin at 5:00 P. M. Thursday, August 4, 2005 with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 P. M. at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 P. M. Friday, August 5, 2005 at St. Anne Catholic Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Nan’s five grandsons, Chip, Kyle, Ad, Kurt and Andy, along with family friends James Potter and Rodney Barry serving as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P. O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or to Monsignor Kelly High School. 5990 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.