Obituary of Mary Atkinson

Atkinson, Mary P. 82, of Gulfport, died Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she came here in 1943 with her family. She graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1947. She was a Realtor for 44 years. She co-founded the Gulfport Historical Society and the Gulfport Community Players. She was active a Girl Scout Leader, was on the Scout Hall Committee, and helped save Scout Hall. She began the first girl's softball league and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Gulfport Little League. She was given the Spirit of Gulfport Award in 2008 for her many contributions to the city and their committees. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Catharine Powell, sister Catherine Hickman and brother in law Keith Hickman. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Lum; daughters Mary DeAngelis, Susan Merryman and Cathy "Cookie" Cottrell; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother John W. (Joanne) Powell and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 3 at 2:00 pm at ALife Tribute - 5601 Gulfport Blvd. South. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gulfport Scout Hall, Gulfport Historical Society or the Gulfport Little League.