Sara Atkins

Sara Jane Atkins, age 77, passed away at the UT Medical Center on Sunday, August 1, 2021. Sara has been a member of the Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church for 20 years and was a member of the Church Chiming Choir for several years. She had both a passion and a talent for gardening, knitting/quilting and ultimately making things beautiful.  For over 15 years, she supervised, tended and was responsible for the beautiful entrance garden to the Mialaquo Neighborhood.  She loved entertaining and socializing with her friends and her family.  "Sara Jane" was born in Sac City, IA, graduated from Lytton, IA High School and attended the Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO for two years.  After marrying Edward Atkins in 1964, Sara raised two kids and created loving and welcoming homes while living in 8 major cities, both in and out the country.  After following her husband and his career for 37 years, SHE selected Tellico Village for their retirement and also enjoyed spending time in their 2nd home in the Keys with their Florida friends.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Roberta and Frank Kreft.  She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ed Atkins; children, Wendy Pyles and husband, Chad, of Suwanee, GA, David Atkins and wife, Sarah Page, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandchildren, Hagan Pyles (14), Harper Pyles (11), Wyatt Atkins (15) and Miller Atkins (12); sister, Judy and Claus Bunz, of Des Moines, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

In memory of Sara Jane, please join us for a memorial service honoring her life at 2pm, August 29, 2021 at the Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highway 72, 260 Wade Road W., Loudon, TN 37774.  Due to Sara's concern for others given the current increase in COVID-19 illnesses, we ask that out-of-town guests travel not be made to attend the service.  We also request that those who attend the service, please wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in the church and CMC (reception hall). The Memorial Service will be recorded and DVD copies will be available, upon request, a week after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the ALS.org, or the Cancer Research Institute.