Donetta Jo Atkins

Donetta Jo Atkins, known as Donnie, Donna, Jody, Mom, and Grammy, passed away on November 3, 2021. Donetta Jo was born to Bert and Anna Marie Reeves in Gentry, Arkansas on June 27, 1927. While still an infant, her father, Bert suffered injury from an explosion at a gas station. After several months of hospitalization, the family moved to a farm in southwestern Missouri, where Donetta learned to horseback ride, hunt, fish, and raise crops and animals for food in order to survive in the 1930s. She graduated high school in Seneca, Missouri and then worked as the administrative assistant to the school superintendent. At the same time she also worked a second job, managing a hair salon.

In 1949, Donetta traveled to visit her grandparents and uncle who had relocated to Alamogordo, New Mexico. Her uncle, "Slim" Howerton was a businessman and Justice of the Peace and he offered her a job to stay and work for him. It was there she met the love of her life, Wyatt Atkins, who was a business partner of her uncle. The couple married on September 7, 1950 and that union lasted over 66 years until Wyatt's death in 2017. They had one son, S. Bert Atkins (Eve) and three granddaughters: Dr. Mardelle R. Atkins (Will Blackstone), Erinna M. Atkins Esq., and Alissandra M. Atkins, CPA. 

Donetta and Wyatt were active in local and state politics and they were selected to be delegates to a National Democratic Convention. She was a member of the B.P.O.E. Does. She served on the Board of NMSVH (now NMSBVI) and was an advisory director at Otero Savings and Loan. She donated many hours of her time to PTAs, Cub Scouts, and Band Parents.

Donetta will be laid to rest next to her husband, Wyatt, at the Monte Vista Cemetery in Alamogordo, New Mexico. A private memorial for family members will be held at a later date.

The Atkins family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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