Obituary - Thelma Grandstaff Atkinson

Atkinson, Thelma Grandstaff, 87, of Henrico, Virginia, went home to be with her Lord on September 30, 2023, with her family by her side. Born on July 11, 1936, in Goochland, Virginia at Ben Glade Farm one of nine children to Moses Washington Grandstaff and Ada Lavanna (Lewis). She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Harold Sinclair Atkinson; brothers, Lee Roy Grandstaff, Boyd Grandstaff and Samuel Grandstaff; and sisters, Mabel Edwards, Virginia Hicks, Vernell Amos and Cassie Pfeiffer. She leaves behind her two children, Paige Jessee (Darrell) and Doug Atkinson (Amy); grandchildren, Conner Atkinson (fiancée Lindsay), Abigail Colvin (Samuel), Sam Jessee, McKenzie Atkinson, and Hunter Atkinson; and her great-grandson, Christian; her sister, Adell Hicks; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Thelma retired from Henrico County after serving as a school bus driver and school aid for over 25 years. She spent her early years as a member of Perkins Baptist Church in Goochland, Virginia, and after, as a lifelong member of Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Her gift of hospitality and service continued in her church through years of Vacation Bible School, serving in the church kitchen, as a wedding planner and caterer and as one of the founding leaders of the Grove Avenue Single Mom’s Class. She loved spending time with her family and was happiest when she had them all seated around the table and serving their favorite meals. On Friday, October 6, the family will receive guests from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. at The West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street, Glen Allen. A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 7 at Perkins Baptist Church, 3146 Hadensville-Fife Road, Goochland with a burial to follow in the church cemetery. The Atkinson family would like to give special thanks to all those who helped care for Thelma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Perkins Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.