Melody Starr Atkins, woman of great strength
Melody Starr Atkins, 56, of Laurel, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and fiancé at her home Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born May 17, 1960, in Seaford to Richard A. Givens and Emma Jean Givens, she spent all of her life in Laurel, and graduated from Laurel High School in 1978. She was preceded in death by both parents; stepfather Alfred Hickey; and brother Kevin Gene Givens. She is survived by her fiancé, Gary Tomaino of Laurel, who loved her dearly. She also was an inspiration to and best friend of three wonderful children, Britney Lloyd (Ryan) of Delmar, Cory Atkins of Seaford and Abby Atkins of Laurel; and grandchildren, Owen Lloyd and Reagan Lloyd whom she adored. She is also survived by her former husband Rudy Atkins of Laurel; siblings Richard Givens II of Dover, Catherine Calloway (Mike) of Bethel, Charles Givens (Jacque), Craig Givens (Kathy), and James Givens of Laurel also survive her. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, extended family, friends, and co-workers. Her dogs will also miss her very much.
Melody was a woman of great strength and determination. She loved more than anything being a stay at home mother, raising her children for 18 years. During the last 13 years she took great pride in her work as a schedule coordinator for the Lynch and Rodriguez Dental Practice in Seaford, where she will be missed greatly. One of her personal achievements was training for and finishing the Seagull Century bike ride in 2010. Melody also enjoyed gardening, camping, biking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place Thursday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m., at Laurel Wesleyan Church, where family and friends may call at 1 p.m. A reception will follow the service in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, Laurel Wesleyan Church, 30186 Seaford Road, Laurel, DE 19956, Seaford Lioness, PO Box 472, Seaford, DE 19974, or any charity of choice.
Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, a Parsell Family Funeral Home, Seaford.
Please visit Melody's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.watsonyatesfuneralhome.com.
