Mrs. Joleta Barker Atkinson, 79, of Adel, Georgia, passed away on April 23, 2026, at Pine Shadows Retirement Manor in Sylvester, Georgia.  Mrs. Atkinson was born on February 25, 1947, in Adel, Georgia, to the late John Austin Barker and the late Martha Agnes Murphy Barker. She spent most of her life in Cook County and was a faithful member of Lenox Church of God. A devoted woman of faith, she loved the Lord deeply and lived her life as a reflection of that love.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy came from her family. Her kindness, warmth, and steady
presence left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Mrs. Atkinson is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Clark and Connie Wheeler of Arabi, Georgia, and Greg and Pam Wheeler of Sand Rock, Alabama; her cherished grandchildren, Richard Wheeler (Ashley), Ashley Mathews (Micah), Brandon Wheeler (Sharon), and Brittany Mulkey (Brandon); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Gavin, Holdan, Annalynn, Kainoa, Kaileia, Kaikoa, Eli, Avery and Cohen.  She is also survived by her step-son and his wife, Lee and Stacey Atkinson of Eatonton, Georgia; her stepdaughter, Kim Atkinson Adams of Adrian, Georgia; five step-grandchildren; and her sister, Barbara Ray of Adel.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil "Gene" Atkinson.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the Chapel of Boone Funeral Home in Adel, Georgia, with Rev. Carlton Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, prior to the
service, at Boone Funeral Home, 1804 South Hutchinson Avenue.

Mrs. Atkinson's life was a testament to faith, love, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew
and loved her.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.