Betty Jean (James) Atkins, 94, passed away March 10, 2021 at her home 7 miles southeast of Lawson, MO where she and her husband, Arthur Allen Atkins, resided for 42 years. She was the daughter of Albert C. & Gladys (Wise) James, born July 15, 1926, in the front bedroom of her grandparent’s home. She attended Murray school and then Lawson High School, graduating in 1943. Wanting to be a teacher, she attended summers at Missouri State Teacher’s College at Maryville, and received her teacher’s certificate to begin teaching at Murray School at age 17. She continued to teach and attend college each summer until 1949. She was married on November 24, 1948 to Allen Atkins at Old Union church and they were blessed with 72 years of marriage. They lived in Columbia, Marshall and Platte City, MO before moving back to her parent’s farm in 1980. Betty is survived by her husband, Allen, two daughters, Gayle Geiger of Lawson, and Nancy Parsons (Tim) of Richland, Iowa, two sons, Lyle Atkins (Pam) of Olathe, Kansas and Daryl Atkins (Linda) of Lawson, grandchildren, Kurt Geiger (Linzi), Klynt Geiger, Kyle Geiger (Roberta), Matthew Parsons (Jen), Phillip Parsons (Jessica), Daniel Atkins (Amaris), Jonathan Atkins (Amy), and Melody Syphert (Tim). Also surviving are 19 great grandchildren and a sister, June Logan of Tulsa Oklahoma, along with many other nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was a grandson, Andrew Atkins. A visitation at 1:00-2:00 pm, memorial service following, Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Old Union Church at 2:00 pm. She loved her grandchildren, her horses, cats and dogs, along with her garden and flowers, but will most of all be remembered for her love of God and her many years of faithful service teaching Sunday School and leading Bible studies. One of her common expressions was “Just think, we’ll all be in Heaven together someday.” Until then, Mom, we will carry on as you have taught us. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Old Union Cemetery, Lawson, MO.