Patricia Atkinson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Burrell Atkinson, who departed on August 27, 2025, at The Magnolia in Oxford, MS, at the age of ninety-four. A visitation will be observed on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the West Hall of Waller Funeral Home, Oxford, MS.

Patricia Burrell Atkinson was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, and subsequently relocated to Chicago, Illinois, to commence her professional career in nursing. It was in Chicago that she met Richard Atkinson, a physician at the same medical institution, who would become her beloved husband of 67 years. Their shared commitment to the well-being of others became a foundational aspect of their lives together. The two raised their family in Memphis, TN and later moved to Oxford to be closer to their beloved grandchildren and enjoy their retirement.

Patricia, affectionately known as Pat, demonstrated unwavering dedication to both her immediate family and her cherished church community at the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. She held a profound affection for her grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as ‘Granny Bird.’ Embracing a spirit of generosity, Pat actively engaged in volunteer work, contributing her time and efforts to Lafayette Elementary, the Memphis Symphony League, and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital during her residence in Memphis.

Pat will be deeply missed by her loving family and all whose lives she touched with her beautiful smile and kind and giving nature.

Pat was preceded in death by her siblings, Marilyn Smith, Barbara Goble, and Bill Burrell, as well as her beloved grandson, Walker J. Atkinson.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard A. Atkinson; her sons, Mark Atkinson (Natalya) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Douglas Atkinson of Oxford, Mississippi; and her grandchildren, Laughlin Atkinson, Harrison Atkinson, Avery Atkinson, Ian Atkinson, and Matthew Atkinson. Pat is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

Patricia’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of The Magnolia at Oxford Commons and Arden Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care of Patricia over the past several months.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to a charitable organization of the donor’s personal significance in Patricia’s memory.