Shirley Atkins of Solon, Ohio, passed away Saturday, February 13, in
Ohio. Born in Cuba, NY in 1927; she was the daughter of the late Harold and Annie Scott, and was predeceased by her husband Sam Atkins. She graduated from Solon High School and earned a BA from Bowling Green Univ. and an MBA from Kent State Univ. Her love of children led her into a career of teaching. She taught for more than 20 years in Michigan, New York, Ohio, California and on the Pacific island of Okinawa. Shirley then volunteered as an original member of President Kennedy's Peace Corps. She served in Uganda, Africa, teaching in a school for boys in Ngora. After her return home, she continued sending school supplies to needy boys she had taught. When she retired from teaching, she became a Social Caseworker for the Cuyahoga County Dept. for Children & Family Services in Cleveland. The work she did enabled many children in foster care to get permanent adoptive homes. Although she did not have children of her own, she had a genuine love and compassion for all children of the world. She enjoyed being with friends in a social setting, had many international friends, and traveled to 62 countries. Shirley was a long-standing member of the Solon Community Church, where for over 30 years she sang in the choir. In later years, she wintered in Eustis, Florida. During her last year, she lived in Belgrade, Serbia, in the care of her niece, Jennifer, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy. Shirley is survived by a brother Glen Scott of Ligonier, PA, sisters Pat Brush of New Milford, CT, and Barbara Phillips of Cavendish, VT, in addition to nieces: Stephanie Brush of Prague, the Czech Republic; Jennifer Brush of Solon, Ohio and Belgrade, Serbia, Alison Barr of Proctorsville, VT, Carolyn Phillips of Hartford, CT, Chris O'Neil, of Hanover, NH, Meredith Blair, of New Fairfield, CT, and nephew Andrew Scott of Salzburg, PA.
The family also acknowledges Shirley's treasured long-time friend and colleague, Dottie Klemm. If desired, contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to a children's charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service will be held at Steinbauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Road, Solon, at 12PM Saturday May 8.
Please note change in location of services.