Helen Frances Atkinson

Helen Frances Atkinson, age 88 years, of Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, died on Friday, March 6, 2009, in the Rolling Hills of Hunterdon Care Center, Clinton Township, NJ.

Born in Old Hickory, TN, August 9, 1920, she was the daughter of the late William and Hazel Burch Grimes. She had formerly resided in West Virginia and Arkansas. She married Bateman Atkinson in 1940, and they gradually made their way to New Jersey, due to his career as a flight engineer for TWA.

They came to Hunterdon County in 1956. By that time they had three children; Marsha, Judith, and Pete. Frances was active in thier lives. She was a Sunday school teacher at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Grandin, NJ, and was a Cub Scout, Girl Scout, and 4-H Leader.

She was a former president of the Clinton Woman's Club and enjoyed participating in their plays. She was active in the Octoberfest at the Red Mill in Clinton.

She had a wonderful time with her friends, and enjoyed traveling the world, especially a trip to Cuba with her friend Kit.

In 1990, after taking care of her husband who had Alzheimer's for twelve years, she decided to go to work.

She worked for fifteen years at the Stone Arch Nursing Home, Pittstown, NJ, then at the Cracker Barrel, Clinton, NJ, retiring at the age of 86.

She was a graduate of Raritan Valley Community College.

Her husband, Bateman Atkinson, died in 1990 and she was also pre-deceased by her sisters, Maxine Dallas, Maebird jackson, Hazel Whitehead, and Millie Grimes. Surviving are two daughters, Marsha Atkinson of Raritan Township, NJ, and Judith Schick of Little York, NJ; a son, William Prescott Atkinson, of Wilson Township, PA; a brother, William Morris Grimes, of Port Lavaca, TX; seven grandchildren: Jesse Atkinson, Matthew Schick, Curtis Schick, Adam Atkinson, Blake Atkinson, Beverly Atkinson, and Allison Atkinson; and a great grandson, Jacob Daniels.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at 2 PM in the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Grandin, NJ under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Health and Supported Services, 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.