Edith Hartwig Atkerson - Jonesboro

Edith Hartwig Atkerson, 80, of Jonesboro died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Lake City, she was a member of Highland Drive Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school. She earned degrees from Arkansas State University and George Peabody College and taught school at Lake City and Jonesboro.

A licensed psychological examiner, she also taught the first Sunday School Class for the deaf in Northeast Arkansas. She taught at Arkansas State University and set up a testing program for children with learning disabilities in Lawrence County Schools.

She was the first teacher-director of the Cottage of Hope in Jonesboro and was a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.

She also held membership in the American Association of University Women, Alpha Delta Kappa and Order of Eastern Star.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Rigsbee of Bay; two sons, Charles Atkerson and Robert Atkerson, both of Jonesboro; a sister, Alma Hartwig Perry of Lake City; a brther, Charles Hartwig of Memphis; seven grandchildren, Dawn Sweetan, Robert Thomas Atkerson, Tim Rigsbee, Tom Rigsbee, Robbie Rigsbee, Dakan Rigsbee and Laura Bess Rigsbee; and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Emerson Funeral Home's Memorial Chapel with Dr. Johnny Hutchison officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were John Harper, Virigina Ridge, Lou Walker, L.D. Walker, Charles Sefers, Lynette Pryor and members of the Sunshine and Winsome Sunday school classes.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the Northeast Arkansas Special Olympics.