Denita June Atkinson

Mrs.Denita June Spurling (Mimi) Atkinson, 57, was born January 19, 1969 in Maryville, TN, to Bobby Spurling and Dorthy Reed, both deceased. With love ones by her side, she departed this world June 25, 2026.

Denita resided in Dalton, GA. She first laid eyes on her now beloved husband at Cracker Barrel in 1998. They both went their separate ways until 19 years later when they reconnected in February 2017. They were able to spend the last nine years of her life together, of which the final 8 years as husband and wife. One of their favorite past times was watching Y&R (The Young and the Restless) together, never missing an episode. It gave her great pleasure to travel with her husband, exploring new places, making unforgettable memories, and sharing adventures that strengthened the love they built throughout the years together. She was truly full of life and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. She never met a stranger, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She loved to talk, share stories, laugh, and make people feel like lifelong friends within minutes of meeting them, Her warm smile, caring heart, and outgoing personality made every gathering brighter. She found great joy in baking, filling her home with the comforting aroma of homemade treats and creating cherished memories around the table. She also had a creative spirit and loved making crafts, always finding joy in creating something beautiful with her hands. Denita and her mother-in-law, Georgia Jones, had an unforgettable bond. Denita had just started taking her mother-in-law to church every Sunday before her life was tragically cut short. She was very excited to start that new chapter in her life.

Denita was known to her grandchildren as Mimi. She loved that name, along with spending time with them. She loved celebrating their accomplishments, and showering them with endless love. They will forever carry the memories of her laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love in their hearts.

While our hearts are broken by her passing, we are grateful for the love she shared so freely and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, laughter, and love will live on through her family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Special thanks to CHI St Vincent North in Sherwood, AR ICU nurses and staff for taking wonderful care of Denita during her final days. We will forever be grateful to each of you.

Denita leaves to cherish her forever, her husband: Errol Atkinson, mother-in-law: Georgia Jones, children: Joshua D. Mashburn, Amanda Coffey Lively, Billy Christopher Coffey, and Andrew Michael Coffey. Four step children: Niesha S Vinson, Errol F Atkinson Jr, and Joseph M Atkinson, Jessica F Atkinson, both deceased. Grandchildren: Kristen Mashburn, Braelyn Lively, Khole Coffey, Alliannah Mashburn, Lucas Lively, Isabella Coffey, Noah Coffey, Joshua E Mashburn, Addison Coffey, and Billy Coffey Jr. Three step grandchildren: Sabastian Vinson, Ayden Atkinson and Alex Atkinson, Siblings: Debra Wilson and Charles Reed.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 11, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service following at 11:00 a.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. 

Services entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home, online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com