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2024-2025 - Annual Jim Ned Alumni Scholarship Winner

Jim Ned graduating senior - Halle Gordy

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Please keep the Atkins family in prayer with the passing of Margaret, mother of alumni Laura ('81), Linda ('83), and David ('85).

Margaret Atkins

June 5, 1932 — May 6, 2025

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Margaret Elizabeth Pate Atkins. Margaret was a lifelong devoted Christian and member of the Church of Christ. Besides being a dutiful and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret was loved by everyone who knew her. Margaret passed away peacefully at age 92, on May 6, 2025, in her home of 68 years on the family ranch south of Abilene.

Margaret was born on June 5, 1932, in Breckenridge, Texas, to Letice Walker Pate and Mamie Alice Parkhurst Pate. Margaret spent all of her childhood in Breckenridge. She met the love of her life, Dick Atkins, in first grade, although she did not know it at that time. Margaret and Dick never dated until their senior year in high school. After high school graduation, Margaret attended Texas Tech, where she was a member of the Las Vivarachas, a sorority that later became known on campus as Zeta Tau Alpha. Knowing she was the one, Dick followed her to Texas Tech. During their junior year, Margaret and Dick were married on October 3, 1952, in the Chapel of the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock. While Dick spent two years in the U.S. Army in Germany, Margaret returned to Breckenridge and worked as an Executive Assistant for the Chemical Process Company. In 1957, Margaret and Dick moved to their ranch and raised a family. They had three children: Laura, Linda, and David. Margaret knew her way around the kitchen and was known for her delicious food and hospitality. She was a “10-2-4 girl” as she loved to drink Dr. Pepper! She found joy being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She also devoted her time and energy to her children and their interests, church activities, teaching Sunday School, and preparing meals for those in need. Margaret was recognized several times for volunteerism by the Jim Ned schools, the Girl Scouts, Rescue the Animals, and the Grace Museum, just to name a few. Margaret was an animal lover and doted on her pets. In her free time, Margaret loved playing the piano, reading, gardening, bird watching, and traveling, especially RVing with friends and family.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 72 years, Dick Atkins; her sister, Carolyn Sumrow; daughter Laura Atkins Fields and her husband, Daryl; daughter Linda Atkins; son, David Atkins; grandchildren Brandon Atkins Boyer; Lindsey Fields Van Hoose and her husband, Reece; Brady Fields; Lacey Fields; Amily Zhang; Bradley Hambright and his wife, Sarah; Stephanie Bradford and her husband, Josh; Dylan Atkins; Denver Atkins; Kayele Durham and her husband, Seth; great-grandchildren Silas, Noah, Evelyn, and Henry Bradford, and Charlotte Hambright; as well as nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made in her name to the charity of your choice. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Elmwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park located at 5750 U.S. Highway 277, Abilene, Texas 79606. A time of visitation and reception will be held from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM in the Elmwood Funeral Home’s Family Center, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

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Marissa Lynn Thomas is at Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

April 28 at 3:30 PM  · Fort Worth, TX  · 

On Saturday Ronda May, Class of ‘74 was inducted into The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. The recipient of the Johnny Boren award for continuing and preserving the rodeo way of life! Ronda has served on the board for many years, and is the coordinator for the annual golf tournament! I was honored to be able to attend!

She was so happy to be recognized! She looked as beautiful as ever and is a proud Jim Ned Alumni! Her family has been in the JN Valley since the 1880’s!

Her brothers Jacky May, Class of ‘76 and Bland, Class of ‘81 were in attendance, with their wives. Jan May Guest, Class of ‘71, was there to celebrate her sister with her husband and daughter! Ronda’s niece, Mylah May McCorkle , Class of 2017, was in attendance with her husband as well. Cousin Ashley Travis Saunders, Class of 2000 attended with his wife and 2 kids.

What an honor and achievement Ronda May! We are proud of you!!

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Jim Ned Alumni Association

Marissa Lynn Thomas 

**2023-2024 JN Alumni Board Members**

Marissa Thomas Davis-President

Chantel Gallaway- Secretary

Telitha Webb-Treasurer

Lynsie Rice Paylor-Event Coordinator

Juliann Kelley-Event Co-Coordinator

Justin Caraway-Entertainment Coordindator

Thanks to Crystal Stanaland for serving on the Alumni Board for many years. We appreciate your time and hard work! She deserves a much needed break!

Everyone is looking forward to working together! We can't wait to let everyone know what we have in the works for the upcoming year! With y'all's support, we can do big things! More details coming soon about the Jim Ned Alumni Scholarship being given this May!! Go! Big Red!!

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