Carolyn Faye Atkins

Carolyn Faye Atkins

Funeral Services for Carolyn Faye Atkins, retired teacher and well-known resident will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The services will be held at St. Mary C. M. E. Temple with Rev. Tamika M. Farrell serving as officiant.  The interment will be in H. V. Adams  Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Friday evening, August 23, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p. m in the Loche's Mortuary Chapel.   To send flowers, plants, words of encouragement, or light a candle,  kindly follow the directions to your left.

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***********Family and friends are asked to turn on their emergency flashers as we travel to H. V. Adams.**********

“A Very Special Teacher”

Psalm 139:14:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." 

Thursday, September 26, 1957, Erie Beatrice Atkins, a resident of the small community of Bastrop, Louisiana gave birth to her first born child; a beautiful baby girl, who she named Carolyn Faye. Friday, August 16, 2024, Carolyn Faye joined Erie Beatrice Atkins, and other loved ones who had gone on before.

When she was twelve years old, Carolyn, her cousin, Virginia Johnson, and a neighbor, Pamela Jones attended a revival at Philadelphia Baptist Church. Rev. C. H. Holmes was the pastor, but Rev. James Tolliver was conducting the revival. The girls were so moved by Rev. Tolliver’s fiery soul-searching sermon that all three accepted Christ as their Savior that evening. Carolyn united with Alexander Lawson C. M. E. Church (New Birth) where she remained a faithful and devoted member. She served in many capacities: Choir Member, Trustee, Stewardess, Church Treasurer, adult Sunday School teacher, hospitality chairperson, or wherever her services were needed. Rarely did she miss church because she loved serving God and her church members.

She received her early education at Morehouse Elementary School. When the parish schools were integrated in 1970, she attended Bastrop Junior High-East which was the school for seventh and eighth grade girls. Ninth through twelfth grades were spent at Bastrop High School, graduating in the Class of 1975.

Carolyn always wanted to be a teacher . She enrolled in Northeast Louisiana State University (now ULM) where she received her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Master’s plus 30. She received her degrees in the field of Special Education. For thirty-three years she devoted her time and gave love to her students at Sterlington High as a Special Education teacher. She loved her students without question, and they loved her in return. Wherever and whenever she saw any of her students, even after she retired, they would shower her with hugs and kisses. She prepared “her babies,” for life outside of school, holding them accountable for skills they needed to survive in the real world.

Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed shopping. Each shopping excursion usually ended with eating out at one of her favorite restaurants. She loved attending ULM alumni events where she visited with former classmates and friends. She loved concerts. One in particular was absolutely amazing. Johnny Gill performed in Dotson Park a few years back and she had the pleasure of attending. “Johnny Gill in Bastrop!” It would always bring a smile on her face when she recounted the experience to family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her mom, Erie Beatrice Atkins and her brother, Terry Louis Atkins. Cherishing her gentle smile; her patience, and her soft laughter are: her brother, Fredrick Atkins, and her very special cousin, Virginia Johnson Edwards (Ronnie), other relatives, friends, and her New Birth Church family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Faye Atkins, please visit our floral store.