Belle Atkinson

Belle Pauline Smith Barton Atkinson, 94, passed away Saturday morning, July 26, 2008 at a local care facility. Belle was born to David Thomas Smith and Sarah Elizabeth Laymance on July 19, 1914, in Henderson County, Texas. She was raised in Brownsboro, Texas. She had three brothers and four sisters.

Belle married Richard Alvin Barton July 22, 1935. They had four children and Alvin had two children that Belle loved and considered as a blessing. After years in the oilfield, they opened and ran a neighborhood grocery store, Sum Food, in Odessa. After Alvins death in 1966, she worked at Walgreens in Odessa. Belle was later married to Berthol Lee Atkinson from January 20, 1970, until his death in 1976.

Belle, who was also known as Ma Belle, Nanny, and Grandma, was a long time member of Temple Baptist Church where she was active in the senior group. She was a member of the Moose Lodge for several years, a member of the VFW Womens Auxiliary, and the Fraternal Order of Police. She loved going to church, playing cards, bingo, making quilts and most of all, dancing.

Her husbands, stepson Richard Alvin Barton, son David Barton, daughter Lillie Lawler, two grandsons, Richard Alvin III and Terrell David Barton and all of her siblings preceded her in death. Surviving her are children Yvonne Fortner and her husband Joe of Midland, Texas, James Barton and his wife Jean of Big Spring, Texas and stepdaughter, Wilma Johnson and her husband Roland of Canyon, Texas. She also has 17 living grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. All who knew her will miss her.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday, July 28, 2008 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Chapel with Rev. Johnny Thomason officiating, and music provided by Kathy Thomason. Visitation with family and friends will be 1:00 to 2:00 PM Monday, July 28, 2008 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to Home Hospice or your favorite charity.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, July 28, 2008
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Memorial Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, July 28, 2008
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

Home Hospice
516 N. Texas
Odessa, TX  79761