Gwendolyn Robinson Atkinson transitioned peacefully Monday, March 14, 2022 after a sudden and brief illness.

Born at a splendid time in nature, we find unmistakable worth for the life of Carlotta Gwendolyn Robinson Atkinson.  Asheville, North Carolina, the place where she grew up, holds many memorable event to highlight her life.  The splendid home environment during her childhood, taught her to always seek the company of the good and the great, unless perhaps to help bring some wanderer back into the fold again.

Gwen was born to the late Clifton and Earnestine Pinckney Robinson, in Charleston, South Carolina, on November 11, 1924.  There was much born in Gwendolyn to shape a life of promise and usefulness.  Patience and obedience were a few observable traits that could be seen in her, because she knew here steps were ordered by God.  Living in a home with love surrounding five siblings, Gwen was the oldest girl.  Leaving before her, Robert (Bobby) Clifton, Jr. , a Tuskegee airman, Marcel Virginia Beason, and Ernest Pinckney.  Family was a major part of her life.

The Asheville Public schools, North Carolina College, East Carolina College, and Appalachian State University offered many educational opportunities for her.  She graduated from Hill Elementary School and Stephens-Lee High School in Asheville.  She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master Degrees from North Carolina College, Durham, North Carolina.  She pursed advanced studies at East Carolina College and from Appalachian State University.

Early in her life she joined Hopkins Chapel AME Zion Church, Asheville, NC. Following marriage, she joined Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount, NC.  Upon moving to Shelby, NC, she joined Ryburn Memorial Presbyterian Church.  At Ryburn she founded the Ryburn Presbyterian Women's Association .  Her Christian stewardship was highlighted with dedication and service to the following organizations:  Presbyterian Women's Association, serving as moderator and Co-moderator, Deacon Board, Ordained Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Christian Education and Nurture Committee Chair, and numerous other committees.  Her church membership was always of importance to her.  In 1994 she joined Grier Heights Presbyterian Church.

For 45 years she was married to David Harold Atkinson.  They met and fell in love on the campus of NCC (NCCU) in 1945.  Born to this union was one daughter, Angela Cheryl Atkinson Strong, who was their pride and joy.  Their loving, caring, daughter and son-in-law, Richard Earl Strong, can rejoice in the training they received and that they now seek to instill in the life of their own daughter and son, Tamara Gwenell, and Richard David, who were the apples of their grandmother's eyes.  Born October 26, 2010 is her first Great Granddaughter, Rayna Lanae Williams and born May 24, 2013 her second Great-Granddaughter, Aria Alyse Williams.  She was most proud to take part in the marriage of her Granddaughter on August 4, 2007, to Raymon Laval Williams.

She taught Business Education for 30 years.  Her career began in 1946 as the first Business Education at her alma-mater, Stephens-Lee High School, Asheville, NC.  Following marriage, she moved to Rocky Mount, NC, where she taught for 17 years at Booker T. Washington High School and Rocky Mount Senior High School.  Upon moving to Shelby, NC she taught for 10 years at Crest Senior High School.  While at Crest she founded the Crest High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. She was an inspiration for many of her students who have achieved outstandingly in Business Education careers.

Gwen, was a dedicated member of the Rocky Mount joined the Alumnae (May 24, 1958), Shelby Alumnae, and Charlotte Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She served in the capacity of Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and served on numerous committees, and was a Lifetime Member.

She joined the ranks of retirees with the NCEA, NEA, and helped initiate a Bible Study Session at the Shelby Senior Citizens Center.  She was active in many community service organizations in the cities of Rocky Mount, Shelby, and Charlotte.  Some of the organizations were Jack and Jill of America, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Shelby Salvation Army Board of Directors, NAACP Member, Charlotte Mecklenburg School Volunteers.  She initiated a tutorial program at her church and worked diligently with a diversified group of devoted students.

Because of her dedicated service, she was the recipient of awards from the Rocky Mount Elks Oratorical Contest  Judges, Salvation Army of Shelby.  She retired from Crest Senior High School in 1983 and was awarded Outstanding Teacher from her Business student group.  She obtained Honorary Life Membership of Presbyterian Women, Grier Heights Men's Council Woman of the Year, and Grier Heights Community Award.

So many people have touched her life as she strived to make a difference in so many people's lives.  Without the devotion of those who cared for her until her daughter could care for her, her family gives tribute to Inez and Raymond Alexander, Obie Blackwell, and Mary Russ who were so faith to her.  The special love and attentions given to her by her caregivers who The Late Sameemah Wilborn for over 17 years, Yvette Cornelius for 3 years, Deborah Williams, Candace Hurt and Glinda and Maurice Blackwell, we cannot thank you enough, you are truly "Jewels".

As her life on earth has reached its end, our emotions are a mixture of joy and sadness.  We cannot change the divine law, but we can face the days ahead with courage and with hope, thankful for the Joys we have had with Gwen.

Mrs. Atkinson leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter A. Cheryl Atkinson Strong, Son-in-Law, Richard E. Strong, Granddaughter, Tamara Gwenell Strong Williams (Raymon L. Williams), Grand Son, Richard David Strong, Great Granddaughters, Rayna Lanae Williams, Aria Alyse Williams, Sister, Genevieve R. Brown, Cousin Elaine Brown, Sister-In-Law, Ethel Atkinson, many nieces and nephews, as well as many loving friends.

Memorials may be made to Grier Heights Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Grier Heights Presbyterian Scholarship Fund, 325 Skyland Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205