PENDER COUNTY — For 89 years our world was blessed by the life of Erma Howard Atkinson. On Thursday, June 4, 2026 Erma was welcomed into her heavenly home.
Born October 7, 1936 in Onslow County Erma was the daughter of Thomas Simpson Howard and Katie Basden Howard. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Claude McRoney Atkinson; daughters, Wanda Kay Grant, Ellen Miller and Peggy Eury; brothers, Simpson “Bud” Howard and Vernon Whaley Sr; sisters, Mae Carter and Thelma Craft; great, great, great granddaughter, Raelynn Atkinson; her beloved canine companion, Oreo River.
Erma graduated from Beulaville High School in 1955. Early in Erma’s life she was a telephone operator in Jacksonville, NC and San Anna, CA. She met and married Claude in 1980 and they both worked at New Hanover County Animal Control. Erma and Claude moved to Pender County in 1986 where they had a big vegetable garden together sharing the fruits of their labors with family and folks in the community. Erma later worked at GE in housekeeping for 11 years before retiring at the age of 70. Erma loved and prayed for everyone and told them about Jesus. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, and words of wisdom will live on in the hearts of family and friends forever.
Surviving are her children, Dereta G. Atkinson (Anthony), Lester L. Grant, Ginny Gentry (Ken), John Dombroski, Kristin Dombroski, Cynthia A. Rivenbark (Jason), Arlan Atkinson (Rebecca) and Susan Hunter (Edward); twenty-two grandchildren including Elizabeth Atkinson who lived with and helped to care for Erma; thirty-two great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Gracie Atkinson, Rosa Pierce, and Nancy Whaley; brothers-in-law, Donald Atkinson, Lawerence Atkinson (Debbie), and Vinnie Atkinson; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Not to be forgotten her fur buddy, Ariel Daisy.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
