Linda J. Atkinson, 72, of Troy, Ill., born December 9, 1942, in East St. Louis, Ill., died Saturday, February 28, 2015, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.


Linda was a member of Troy United Methodist Church in Troy, Ill. She owned and operated Ann's Beauty Shop in Belleville, Ill., and co-owned with her husband Hill Top Green House in Troy, Ill. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for many years, as well as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, Ill. She loved to shop, especially with her friend Jenny. Most of all she loved the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Earl Atkinson, whom she married Feb. 11, 1959, and who passed away June 4, 2009; her parents, Ted and Ann Smithson; a sister, Sandy Gaultney; and a sister-in-law, LaWanda Atkinson.

Surviving are her children, Latesha Tanner of Alton, Ill., and Lynette (Rick) Brown of Collinsville, Ill., Josh Jaskot of Marine, Ill., and Amanda (Jon) Mersinger of Troy, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Karlee Switzer, Kenzee Mersinger and Klayton Jaskot; a brother-in-law, Loy (Judy) Atkinson of O'Fallon, Ill. and her dog Ferrari.


Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2015, and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, Ill.


Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dennis Price officiating. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME,

Troy, Ill.