Barbara Ann Merritt Atkins, 88, passed away January 25 of COVID induced pneumonia at the Kansas University Medical Center. Barbara was born December 9, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Ralph Merritt and Margaret Nell Amick Merritt. At an early age, Barbara took classical piano lessons, encouraged by her Grandmother Harper. She became an accomplished pianist, being proficient at sight-reading music. Barbara began attending Kensington Avenue Baptist Church with her a neighbor. At age 12, she gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized. This was a pivotal moment in her life. Barbara graduated from East High School, Kansas City, in 1952. She then worked for the Social Security Administration in Kansas City. During that time a friend introduced Barbara to John H. Atkins, a businessman and farmer. The couple was married on June 20, 1954. Barbara was 20 and John was 26. They moved into a house along C Highway East of Lawson. The couple attended Canaan Hill Church of the Nazarene. Barbara worked at the former McCleary Hospital in downtown Excelsior Springs and began teaching piano lessons and playing the piano for the church. Barbara enjoyed teaching piano to hundreds of youth over the span of 60 years. Also, she delighted in teaching Adult Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. When her Mother-in-law, Fern Atkins, retired from being the church treasurer, Barbara gladly assumed the responsibility for 15 plus years. Barbara took great pleasure in reading, music, movies, history and traveling. She loved Jesus, her family, friends and her church. Barbara’s legacy is her Christian faith, her family, her students and her never-exhausting love. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband John of 53 years. Barbara is survived by her son, The Rev. John Merritt Atkins, son-in-law, Theodore J. Brown, daughter, Susan Annette Peoples, son-in-law, The Rev. Dwayne R. Peoples; Grandchildren Danae Annette Peoples and Melissa Patterson, Tyler R. Peoples and Victoria Raine Peoples, and Lauren Mae Peoples; and Great Grandchildren Eddalyn Raine Peoples and Silas John Robert Peoples; sister-in-law, Donna Smoot; many dear Nieces and Nephews; and precious friends. A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2 pm, at Canaan Hill Church of the Nazarene, 33688 W, 190th St, Lawson, 64062. Visitation will be at 1 pm at the church. Per the Family, masks are required in the church, please. Thank you.