Carles Jean (Winnie) Atkinson, 90, of South Charleston, passed away December 16, 2024.

Winnie was born January 29, 1934, in Savage, MD, the youngest of four daughters, to Tilghman Welby Redmond and Rebecca Virginia McElvaney Redmond.

She worked in Laurel, MD, for the Synder Brothers for many years before marrying Steve Atkinson and moving to South Charleston, WV, in 1962.  Winnie was South Charleston City Clerk and continued to work for the city for years afterwards.  She was an avid bowler, bowling at Venture Lanes for over 50 years.  She was an active parent volunteer when her son, Michael, was playing South Charleston Little League, and also when her husband coached. She was also a member of the St. Albans Moose Lodge, where she participated on the Women’s Ritual Team and served as Senior Regent. She enjoyed traveling with Moose Lodge friends, supporting Moose Heart (an orphanage) and Moose Haven (a retirement center).

Mom loved to craft, cook, and garden.  When she had her home in Armour View, she spent hours each spring and fall in her beloved rock garden.  Her husband created it for her many years ago, and they both enjoyed doing yardwork together.  She even took care of the flower bed in front of St. Paul UMC for many years, until she was unable to do so.  If someone had a birthday, mom would offer to make her Red Velvet Cake.  And through the years at her homes on Kanawha Turnpike and then in Armour View, she cooked and fed us all. It was always something we looked forward to when we visited.

She was an active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church and active in United Methodist Women, Church Fellowship, and various other activities.  The friendships made there continued to sustain her in later years.  The St. Paul Angels (precious friends) drove her to church, appointments, Bible Study, and just out for lunch.  They brought her delicious meals and baked goods and surrounded her with cards and phone calls when it was difficult to get out of the house.

She is survived by her daughters, Carles (Peeps) Gonsman and husband Jim of Claysburg, PA, and daughter Marsha Barnett Cooke and husband Billy of Katy, TX; grandchildren, Shannon Schafer, Lindsay Schols, Brenden Manthorpe, Aaron Cooke, Meredith Cooke, Michael A. Atkinson II, Shawn Atkinson, and Tyler Atkinson; and her 8 great grandchildren. Her husband, Stephen E. Atkinson, and son, Michael Alan Atkinson, predeceased her.

She was a vibrant, funny, loving, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She never met a stranger and had friends far and wide.

Winnie’s life will be celebrated at St. Paul UMC, in South Charleston, on Friday, December 20, 2024, with Pastor Paul Mateer officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with a 1:00 pm service. Graveside services will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Memorial contributions may be made in Winnie’s honor to the St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4606 Kanawha Turnpike, South Charleston, WV 25309.

Memories of Winnie may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.