Maudrie Shirley Atkins, age 94, of Clarkesville, Georgia, was called to her eternal rest on Monday, April 7, 2025. She ascended to her heavenly home, where she now dwells in the presence of the Lord, surrounded by His everlasting peace and grace.
Born in Clarkesville on March 17, 1931, Maudrie was a beloved daughter of the late Arthur Clifford Shirley and Jessie Coalley Shirley, and stepdaughter of Necie Worley Shirley.
Maudrie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cleo Vivian Atkins; grandson, Kevin Stover; great granddaughter, Scarlett LaCount; son-in-law, Greg Henderson; siblings, Harold (Evelyn) Shirley, Michael Shirley, Norma Shirley, Geneva (RB) Thompson, Deborah Shirley; brother-in-law, Sherman Patrum; and sister-in-law, Gayle Shirley.
A woman of deep faith, she was a lifelong member of Shirley Grove Baptist Church, where her love for God and her community shone brightly. She dedicated countless hours to teaching Sunday School, working with Vacation Bible School, and sharing the gift of music through song. Her heart for spreading the gospel was evident in everything she did, and her unwavering devotion to her faith left an enduring mark on all who knew her.
Maudrie’s faith was as steady as her work ethic. After 29 years of dedicated service as an inspector at Scovill Manufacturing, she retired, but her commitment to her family and community never wavered. At home, she was the heart and soul of the family, known for her love of cooking, baking, gardening, and solving word search puzzles. Yet, her greatest joy came in caring for others. She poured her heart into reading and studying her Bible daily, and even when her mind was not as sharp as it once was, she could still recite a multitude of Bible verses by heart. Her love for God’s word, paired with her genuine compassion for others, made her a pillar of strength, kindness, and unwavering love. The church lived in her heart, and she was a safe haven for anyone and everyone.
Above all, Maudrie’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a love that knew no bounds. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Larry (Sheila) Atkins and David (Belinda) Atkins, all of Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Judy Henderson of Elberton, Sandra (Randy) Stover of Clarkesville, and Susan (Chip) Allgood of Martin. Maudrie is also survived by her cherished sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna Patrum of Cornelia, Brenda (Bill) Williams of Cornelia, Bernice Wiley of Alto, Lois (Larry) Towe of Gainesville, and Janice (Dennis) Williamson of Gainesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis Shirley of Toccoa, Chester (Geneva) Shirley of Cornelia, and Kerry Shirley of Gainesville.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren: Deanna (Casey) Mote of Clarkesville, Tony Atkins of Cornelia, Luc (Josie) Allgood of Fort Dix, New Jersey, Logan Allgood of Martin, Kelli (Chris) Joslyn of Clarkesville, Sylvia (Jamie) Higgins of Cornelia, Thomas Henderson of Anderson, South Carolina, Amber Henderson of Elberton, and Lee Fitzwater of Columbus. She was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: Jackson Allgood of Fort Dix, New Jersey; Brodie (Courtney) and CJ Mote, all of Clarkesville; Tripp and Nicole Joslyn of Clarkesville; Brooklyn Henderson of Elberton, Macie (Dalton) Laws of Gainesville, Ayla Atkins of Cornelia, Zoey (Johnathan) Sims of Cornelia, Gage Thomas and Chloe Maney of Cornelia, Christina Magana (Diego) of Mt. Airy, Terry Wade of Mt. Airy, and Annabel LaCount of Eastanollee; and three great-great-grandchildren, Grayson Higgins of Cornelia, and Ian and Rafael Magana of Mt. Airy.
Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Amedysis Home Health for their compassionate care over the past three years. A special thank you to the Care Team for their dedication: nurses Eva Aderholdt, Rebecca Lee, Olivia Foster, Autumn Hensley, Chaquana White, Erin McDougal, Amy Upchurch, Autumn Jones, and Georgia Wright; CNAs Victoria Sosebee, Ayla Scott, and April Howard; caretaker, Carrie Collins; chaplains, David Souderes and Steve Wright; and Dr. Marc Cohen.
Funeral services are at 11 am on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Bill Gravley and Rev. Austin Kelley officiating. Interment will follow the service in Clarkesville City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.
Maudrie’s favorite season was spring, when all the flowers are in bloom, so flowers are welcome to honor her love of the Lord’s beautiful work.
Maudrie’s passing leaves a void that will never be filled, but her legacy of love, faith, and unwavering service to others will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior, rejoicing in the eternal peace she so richly deserves.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
