Carol Atkins

Carol J. Atkins of Grand Rapids passed away December 30, 2021, at the age of 83. Carol was born in Jackson, MI, April 24, 1938, to William and Olive (Davey) Miles. She grew up in the Jackson area and later lived in Parma and Spring Arbor.

Carol met her husband of 65 years at Jackson High. Together they raised three children. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence; children Susan (Dennis) Philpott, Tom (Erin Nelson) Atkins, Todd (Tiffany) Atkins, grandchildren Matt (Becky) Philpott, Andrew (Emily Koffman) Philpott, Emily Philpott, Ethan Nelson-Atkins, Myles Nelson-Atkins, Nate (Gwen) Atkins, Anna Atkins; great grandchildren Tenley, Alexandra, and Adeline.

Her first job was modeling wedding dresses for the iconic Field’s Department Store. After her children were older, she worked as a secretary at Western Junior High and then later at Consumers Energy. It is here where she discovered a love for flying when she traveled for meetings. Later in her career she worked for the Free Methodist Foundation.

Carol had a wonderful sense of humor. Her hobbies included painting, knitting, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Carol’s family always suggested she could write a book – a topic you will need to ask the family about. The love Larry and Carol shared was inspirational to her entire family. Carol was a devoted Christian and was a member of several churches -- Jackson Free Methodist, Spring Arbor Free Methodist, and First Evangelical Covenant Church in Grand Rapids MI, which they joined after relocating to Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in 2016.

A service to remember and celebrate the lives of Larry and Carol will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 2 PM in the chapel at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes, 2510 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with the family beginning at 1 PM

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.