Jane Shaw Atkinson

Jane Shaw Atkinson, 91, of North Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on May 5, 2022. She was born June 18, 1930 in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Calvin and Blondell (Painter) Shaw.

When she was 18, she met the love of her life on a blind date. After 3 months of dating, she married Russ Atkinson. They were married for 57 years until his passing in 2012.

Jane had a servant's heart, especially for the underdog, and loved ministering to those in need. From the neighbor suffering from Alzheimer’s to the homeless, she never met anyone she didn’t try to help. She was involved in many ministries including the Friendly Chapel Clothes Closet, Bethany Christian Services, Community Bible Study in North Little Rock, Women’s Ministry at Central Baptist Church where she discipled many young women, and was a founding member of the Dorcas House. 

She cherished her family and church community most of all.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell (Pop Pop) Atkinson; grandsons, Jason Gwatney and Chris Macchiarella; and brothers, Pat Shaw and Bill Shaw.

Jane is survived by her children, Russell Atkinson, Jr. (Peg), Ric Atkinson (Gay), Anita Gwatney, Cathy Lamb (Gary), and Michael Wright; sister, Sherry Ray (Ronald); grandchildren, Rachel Williams (Cory), Russell Atkinson, III (Lauren), Claire Atkinson, Victoria Atkinson, Garry Newman (Valerie), Maggie Estes (Beau), Sam Atkinson (Michaela), Josh Gwatney (Carolyn), Jon Gwatney, Rebekah Lamb, and Leslie Smith (Jeff), and Kendall Wright; and 17 great-grandchildren. As well as her lifelong friend, Joan Powell.

The family would like to thank Saline Memorial Hospice, Leeta Elliott, Carla Vint and Katie Hobbs for their outstanding care in Jane’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Little Rock Young Life (PO BOX 94113, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116).

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--