With deep love and sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Virginia Mae Atkison on September 8, 2025 at the age of 86. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved matriarch, Virginia’s life was a shining example of grace, strength, and unconditional love. Virginia was born April 14, 1939 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Virginia shared 71 wonderful years of marriage with her loving husband, Jerry Atkison Sr., a bond that stood as a true testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they built a life rooted in family and unwavering devotion — a legacy that now stretches across five generations. She worked at Rival, drove a school bus, and retired from York International.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Atkison Sr; children: Ginger (Leland) Graham, Bethany, MO, LaDonna (Chris) Hunt; Nixa, MO; Rick (Linda) Atkison, Darlington, MO; Beckie (Rick) Samborski, Lathrop, MO, daughter-in-law, Cindy Atkison, Darlington, MO, brothers: John (Rosa) Decker, St Charles, MN, Roger (Danielle) Decker, Afton, OK, their cherished family of 26 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren and her beloved dogs. Each one a living testament to her care, wisdom, and love. She poured herself into her family, offering a home filled with warmth, comfort, and boundless generosity.
Virginia’s presence had a way of making everyone feel at home. She was the kind of woman who remembered birthdays, mended broken hearts, and had a plate ready for anyone who walked through her door. She was gentle but strong, quiet but wise, and always ready to offer a listening ear or a word of comfort.
She was preceded in death by her parents, children, Alice Atkison, Jerry Atkison Jr, Connie Hudson and Danny Atkison, grandson, Dillion Atkison and Daniel Atkison, great-grandson, Camaron Goble, great-great-grandson, Daniel Gardner, siblings Charles Thomas Decker, Delores Hovey, Gloria June Palmer, but her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched.
To celebrate Virginia’s remarkable life a visitation will be held on Monday, September 15 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the Roberson-Polley Chapel in Albany. A memorial graveside service will follow the visitation in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, remember, and honor a life so beautifully lived. There will be dinner to follow at Jerry and Virginia’s home, all are welcome to attend as this was Virginia’s wish for all to gather together. Memorial Contributions: Ronald McDonald House in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402.
Virginia Atkison was the heart of her family — the one we looked to for strength, guidance, and love. Her impact will echo through generations, and her memory will be cherished forever.
