Madge Atkins

Madge Tinsley Atkins passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice House after a brief illness. She was born in 1926 to Charles Herman and Kate McDowell Tinsley. Madge was retired from the Charles Lea Center where she worked for many years. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Ralph Vernon Atkins, her son, Rodney P. Atkins, one brother, Issac Tinsley, and two sisters, Eileen Easler, and Marion Tucker. She is survived by her son, Robert D. Atkins (Susan) of Spartanburg, her daughter, Debbie Atkins Long (Mark) of Columbia, S.C., and one daughter-in-law, Mary Lathan Atkins. Madge had five grandchildren, Christy Long McCall (Kevin) of Travelers Rest, S.C., Greg Atkins (Lisa) and Allison Atkins Queen (Andy) of Spartanburg, Darby Long (Rebecca) of Charleston, S. C. and Summers Long (Rachel) of Montpelier, Vt. She was also honored with twelve great-grandchildren, Lyndsey and Chapman Atkins, Keaton and Kanah McCall, Gable and Vera Long, Bridger and Ada Long and Kearse, Victor, Drew and Mary Tallent Queen.

Madge was also blessed with an amazing caregiver, Tami Patterson, who was with her for over six years. The family will always be grateful to this kind, caring person who loved “Miss Madge” with all her heart.

Madge, “Mima” to all who knew and loved her, was a strong, independent, fun-loving lady. She faced all adversities with determination, courage and a “God’s will” attitude. She and her husband, Ralph, enjoyed camping and managed to visit a major portion of the United States before his death in 1986. Mima took her first airplane ride after the age of 60 and found a new love for travel that took her all over the world for the next twenty-five years. She journeyed from Alaska to Australia, over most of the European countries and several times to Asia. She rode a camel in Egypt, a hot-air balloon over the pyramids, an elephant and a river raft in Thailand, and walked the streets of Russia and the Holy Land. Several river cruises and other exotic adventures filled her scrapbooks with wonderful memories. Her keen sense of humor always found something amusing in almost everything, even taking a jet-ski ride while in her eighties! She was one of a kind and a blessing to all who had the privilege of sharing her life.

A Graveside service will be held 1:30 PM Saturday, February 12, 2022 in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307, conducted by The Rev. Matthew Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice House, 686 Jeff Davis Dr., Spartanburg, SC, 29303 or Fernword Baptist Church, P O Box 7058, Spartanburg, S C, 29304

Floyd's North Church Street Chapel