Josephine "Josie" Feducia Atkinson

Services for Josephine Feducia Atkinson, 92, of Tyler, will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at 1:30 PM at St.’s Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1435 ESE Loop 323, in Tyler, with Father Justin Braun officiating. Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. She was born in 1921 in Shreveport, Louisiana and lived there until 2008, when she moved to Tyler to be closer to her son, John. She was member of the Cathedral of St. John Berchman in Shreveport until she joined Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Whitehouse and later Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Tyler. Josephine was a graduate of Byrd High School and Meadows Draughon Business College. She retired from the Social Security Administration after 40 years of service. While working, she won a coveted award rarely bestowed on administrative personnel. For many years she served as a volunteer at Schumpert Memorial Hospital. She was a career woman, when it “wasn’t cool” and a divorced mom, when that carried a stigma. She was a football aficionado and enjoyed her “trips to the boats.” She never wavered in her devotion to her family. She was a great teacher and cook. We all think fondly of her when we enjoy her recipes. A trail blazer, independent, strong-willed and determined, these were her hallmarks. At the same time, she was devoted, loving and compassionate. She never failed to set a good example. Josephine “Josie” Atkinson truly was an inspiration to friends and family. She lived frugally, but had a generous spirit, always willing to share what she had with a grandchild in college or a family member in need. She died peacefully and unexpectedly on Friday, January 31, 2014 after a brief illness. Josie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Vincent and Anna Feducia; brothers, Joe, Sam, Tony and Guy Feducia; sisters, Johanna Feducia, Amelia Tidwell, Ann Clark, Fay Spataro and Rose Feducia. She is survived by her son, John Atkinson and wife Glenda, and her daughter, Lynda Drake; grandchildren, Bryan Gronke, Katie Atkinson and Jay Atkinson; great-grandchildren, Claire, Sydney and Harper Bryson, whom she referred to as “the prettiest little girls you ever saw.” Josie deeply loved her numerous nieces and even more numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. There was a special bond between her and her cherished nieces and faithful nephew, Angie Burroughs, Samantha Gray and Ronnie Feducia. Josie enjoyed independent living at The Hamptons until the last few months, when she moved to Prestige Estates. The family extends thanks to the staff of Prestige Estates Memory Care, Hamptons Plus Care and special thanks to her dedicated caregiver and friend, Glenda Atkins. Glenda always put Ms. Josie’s welfare above all else. She and Ms. Josie enjoyed many hours together watching football, her favorite TV shows and “telling it like it is.” Pallbearers will be Bryan Gronke, Jay Atkinson, Carl Feducia, Ronnie Feducia, Danny Feducia, Bob Gray and Gerry Burroughs. Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with a Rosary following at 6:00 PM on Monday, February 3, 2014 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Holy Angels School, 10450 Ellerbe Dr., Shreveport, LA. 71106.

Josephine "Josie" Feducia Atkinson

October 6, 1921 - January 31, 2014