Barbara Braid Atkinson, 70, passed away on July 1 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. Family and friends affectionately called her “Baba,” the nickname she acquired by virtue of becoming a grandmother. During her struggle with lung cancer, she demonstrated a level of grace, courage, and fortitude expected by all who knew her well and admired by those whom she met during the final leg of her journey.
Born in Memphis, TN, Barbara moved with her parents to Yazoo City, MS, when she was five years old. She lived in Yazoo City for the rest of her life. She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Nicholl Braid, and her mother, Louise Greene Braid. She is survived by her husband, Buford Atkinson, Jr.; they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in mid-June. She is also survived by three sons: Ted Atkinson of West Point, MS; Bob Atkinson of Flora, MS (wife, Rebecca); and Jay Atkinson of Madison, MS (wife, Stacey). Barbara had five grandchildren, aka “Baba’s blessings”: Hap, Anna Lee, Harris, Jake, and Hallie. A few years ago, she welcomed a new “child” into the fold: Beamer, a loyal rescue dog and source of immeasurable joy for his pet parent.
Barbara had a strong work ethic. She thrived while employed in the business office at Manchester Academy in Yazoo City. For more than thirty years, she formed meaningful relationships with students, parents, teachers, and administrators at the school. Being part of the Manchester family sustained Barbara in life, never more so than during her bout with cancer. She was honored to be inducted into the Manchester Academy Hall of Fame in the spring of 2016, and pleased to be able to express her appreciation in what she called “my first and last speech.”
A member of First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City, Barbara was devout in her Christian faith. Scripture and the Upper Room daily devotional were part of her morning routine. She got spiritual nourishment from going to church and from the fellowship of her Sunday school class.
Barbara was a graduate of Yazoo City High School, and she attended MSCW, where she was a member of Lockheart social club. She was a past president and member of Junior Auxiliary.
A funeral service was held
on July 5, 2016, at First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City, preceded by visitation at the church. A graveside service followed at Glenwood Cemetery. To honor Barbara’s life, please consider making a donation in her name to one of the following organizations: First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City (
fumcyazoo.org), Manchester Academy (
manchesteracademy.org), or Angel Flight South Central (
angelflightsc.org).
The family wishes to convey the gratitude Barbara expressed for the countless prayers, messages, and gifts she received during her illness. The pink wristbands stamped with “Battle for Baba” and “Win the Fight” worn by family and friends were emblematic of the love and support that she described as overwhelming—in the best possible way.
Baba’s battle is over, her fight won with life eternal.
