Obituary - Delores Mothershead Atkins

Delores Mothershead Atkins, 92, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late John Randall Mothershead and Margaret Barrack Mothershead. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 34 years, Beverly James Atkins; her sister, Frances M. McKenney; and her daughter-in-law, Robin Winston Atkins.

She is survived by her three sons, Randall Atkins, Steven Atkins (Susan), and Paul Atkins (Lisa); her brother, John R. Mothershead, (Jean), additional loving sisters-in-law Shirley Atkins Smith, and Ella Massey Atkins; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was lovingly known as "Grandma" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Randall's children, Meghan, Drew, and Rachel; Steven's stepdaughter Michelle Waldron (Dave) and their children Lilly and Cooper, son Ryan (Margaret) and their children Harrison and Bennett, son Brandon (Jeanie) and their children Loretta and Raymond, and stepson Brad Marshall (Lindsay) and their daughter Evie; Paul's son John (Katie) and their children Joselyn and Colton. Paul is also a stepfather to Justin Schmitt, and Forest Schmitt (Isabelle), whose children are Lucas, Rosemary, and Levi.

Delores was a 1954 graduate of St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing and a retired RN from HealthSouth Medical Center. Her nursing career spanned more than 40 years, including 21 years as Nurse Manager of the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Nursing was truly her passion. In February 1968, Delores was honored as one of seven recipients of the first "Good Neighbors for Brotherhood" award, presented by the Virginia Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Throughout her career, she held membership in the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) and the Virginia Society of Post Anesthesia Nurses (VSPAN). She was also the recipient of a Nursing Excellence Award from the Humana Hospital Corporation, nominated by her peers.

A devoted Christian, Delores was an active member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church (MVBC) for over 43 years, where she served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, choir member, and on various committees, including the Health and Wellness Ministry.

After retirement, Delores remained active in her church and community, volunteering at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She especially cherished time spent at her river home on the Rappahannock River in the Northern Neck of Virginia, where she grew up. She also enjoyed cruising and traveling with the MVBC Prime Timers.

Delores's greatest joy was her family. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and service will live on in all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses at VCU Tappahannock Hospital, Hospice of Virginia, Visiting Angles and Commonwealth Senior Living (Farnham) that ensured her final days were as comfortable as possible. Their compassion and kindness were beyond measure.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Bliley's Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23228. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the MVBC Bereavement Fund, Parkinson's Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.