Ethel C. Reid Atkins was blessed by God to enter this world on October 13th, 1940, in Hertford, North Carolina. She was the sixth child born to Janet Williams and Alphonso Reid Sr. Ethel moved to New York at the age of 18 and she worked in a variety of jobs. These included Shearson Lehman Hutton, on Wall street, and Smith Barney at their World Trade Center offices. Her last job was in the New York City school system.
Ethel had a Christian faith, in which her spiritual upbringing started from childhood when she worshipped with her family in church. She gave her life to the Lord at a tender age (and she always knew how to call on
Jesus).
Ethel was extremely family oriented and doted on her grand and great-grandchildren. So much so, that she took on the task of raising her grandchildren after their mother, Stephanie, passed away. She basically became their second mother in a time that was so crucial for them. She even had close relationships with her great-grandchildren. She taught them all the importance of integrity, strength, family, perseverance and love. She had several mantras that she would say (depending on the situation) and she knew how to connect to them in the right moments. Ethel had a gift of gab and was a consoling voice to anyone who
needed to hear it. She was very big on education and always
encouraged the youth by attending every school function, recital and graduation. She never missed a single event! Her favorite hobbies, as of late, were playing Candy Crush, putting together her family tree on
ancestry.com and scrolling on Facebook. Oh, and let’s not forget, her love for watching the Wendy Williams show (how YOU doin’?).
Ethel had such an expansive family and was surrounded by so much love. She was married to William E. Atkins for over 25 years. Ethel was predeceased by two of her children; Stephanie and Daryl, as well as God-daughters; Theresa and Regina and Son-In-Laws; James aka Greg and Lawrence. She was also predeceased by five siblings;
Alphonso, Manson, Wardell, Kenneth and Joan. Ethel leaves to cherish her memory, her husband; William. Children; Eric, Eugenia, Timothy, and Anthony (Sonya), as well as a God-son; James aka Lahee and a God-daughter, Aretha. Stepchildren; Simone (Everton), and Michael. Grandchildren; Izena aka Izaiah, Esquire, James, Tiffany, Samirah (DeCarlos), Oinye, Shavona, Dayquan, Cydney, Azaria, Orianna, Jordyn, Genessa, Latysse (Marcus), Tahkee, and Najah. Step grandchildren; Jayden, and Tahlia. Great-grandchildren; Ajanae, Jaylen, Kayana, Kymani-Jade, Kaea, Shani, Khalil, Maxine, Kusheen, Charles, Mahki, and Mahlani. Siblings; Margaret, and Sirlivia. In-Laws; Evelyn, Dorothy, Lucille. Ethel is also survived by a tremendous host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. They will sorely miss her presence, her vanity, and her sharp words of wisdom.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.