May 14, 2025, 87, Goldsboro —

Kenly- Betty Ann Evans Atkinson, 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 17, 1938 in Johnston County, she was daughter to the late Fannie Mae and Thomas Alphonzo Evans.

Betty decorated cakes for Winn Dixie and delighted in sharing her talents with others. She served as a dedicated teacher assistant where she retired from Stough Elementary in Wake County. She received teacher assistant of the year in 1996 and received outstanding volunteer award in 2011 by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation. She attended Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh where she taught Sunday school, and faithfully volunteered in many roles within her church. Betty was married to James Leon Atkinson in 1956.

She is survived by her sons, Mike Atkinson and his wife, Robbin, and Tommy Atkinson and wife, Lisa; her granddaughters, Heather Smith and her husband, Travis, Amanda Garner and husband, Justin, Ashley Ray and husband, Hunter and Emily Pulley; her great-grandchildren, Curtis Evan, Arley and Adrianna Smith, Cameron and Wyatt Garner and Willard Ray.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband.

The family will receive friends during time of visitation on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Kenly Funeral Service. A graveside service to honor Betty’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Evans Family Cemetery with Pastor Sammy Evans officiating. The family will receive friends at other times at, 111 Peacock Road, Kenly, NC 27542.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral and Cremation Service.