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March 20, 1935 – Aug. 28, 2024

NATCHEZ – Ella French Ferrell Atkins born March 20, 1935, 89, went to be with the Lord at 11 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

Services will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at St. Mary Basilica with Father Aaron Williams officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 8 until 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at St. Mary Basilica.

She was predeceased by her father and mother, William Albert Ferrell and Ella Louise French; brother, William Thomas (Sonny) Ferrell; sisters, Mary Louise Wiggins, and Catherine Rose Haley; brother, Robert Earl Ferrell.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 71 years, Reynolds Leon Atkins Sr.; her son, Reynolds Leon (Lee) Atkins Jr.; her grandchildren, Ashley and husband, David Gilbert; grandson, Reynolds Leon (Tres) Atkins, III and wife, Emily, grandson, Ryker Atkins, and granddaughter, Mariella Atkins.

Her daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Sissy), and husband, Marc Blackwood; grandson, Tate Dickey, and wife, Kristen; granddaughters, Katie and husband, David Beach, and Paige and husband, George Pirkey.

Her son, John Douglas and wife, Jennie Atkins; her grandson, Doug and wife, Janna Atkins; and grandson Brandon and wife, Sarah Atkins.

Her son, Samuel French Atkins, and Jessica Bradley; her step-grandchildren, Alexis Wilson, Braxton Harveston, and Paris Harveston.

Her nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Ella (Frenchie) (Mimi) was a lifelong devout Roman Catholic and member of the Natchez Diocese attending both St. Mary Basilica (26 years) and Assumption Church (63 years).

She was a graduate of Cathedral School of the class of 1953 and was always proud of her Catholic education. She worked for the Credit Bureau of Natchez (Equifax) and the family business.

Pallbearers will be Tres Atkins, Tate Dickey, Doug Atkins, Rivers Atkins, Ryker Atkins and Tripp Cotton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Marc Blackwood, Jimmy Dickey, David Beach, David Gilbert, Gerry Dickson, Terry Ferrell, and Braxton Harveston.

Memorials should be directed to the Assumption Church Alter Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.