Sylvia Atkins

In memory of Sylvia, who we remember with great fondness. Whenever we met Sylvia, she was cheerful and hopeful, reflecting her deep love for the Lord Jesus. She reminded us that God sees the bigger picture, and her life was a testimony to His grace. Hugh and Lesley Minty.

Post Sylvia an amazing, kind, caring, loving lady who touched so many lives & was dedicated to sharing the joy of Jesus with everyone. Such an inspiration. I'm so thankful for the encouragement & prayers she gave me in my life, she was like an adopted mom. In the storms of life she taught me 4 simple words "PRAISE THE LORD ANYWAY" in all situations. I will always remember the joy of her dancing while praising the Lord, especially when we served together on the tea trolley. She embraced life to the full. I will never forget her energy & vitality at a church quiz night playing air guitar so young hearted & vibrant. I will miss her but it fills my heart with joy that she is singing, dancing & shaking her tambourine & glorifying the Lord🥰

First of all thankyou to the Atkins family , you did your mom proud with all the lovely tributes , songs , word, a great service of thanksgiving. Sylvia was always a great encourager to myself and my own journey with the Lord. I shall remember her for that infectious smile and laughter. A true woman of God who feared the Lord and is to be praised Praised for her love Praised for her life Praised for her legacy Thank you Sylvia for your constant encouragement blessings & friendship for so many years to many . Absent from the body but present with the Lord Hallelujah, we shall meet again soon Dek Excel Church

Sylvia, Always so loving and greated me with a big hug. Special lady and thankful for Naomi and the boys as a gift from you. Clara Jo x

Sylvia radiated the love of Christ everywhere she went. A warm, loving, prophetic woman, who on the few occasions I met her spoke directly into my life with encouragement, love and the wisdom of Christ. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” – Proverbs 31:28-31

Sylvia your life was a blessing to my family and your memory will forever be a treasure to us and the church. You will always have a special place in our hearts and your kingdom legacies will live on. Enjoy the bossom of our Lord.❤ The Uchenna's

Sylvia will be missed by all who ever had the privilege in knowing her. I will fondly remember our singing nursery ryhmes and Christmas songs at Mapledene Minis, her warm, infectious laugh and her heartfelt hugs when she instinctively knew you needed one. She was not only the heart of her family but that of our community too . May you now be at peace, smiling down on us all. Debbie, Paul, Charlie and Alfie xxxxxx

What an absolute blessing it has been to know Sylvia! Her encouragement, guidance and support in my walk of faith has been so important to me. I would certainly class myself as someone who benefitted by being 'spiritually mothered' by Sylvia. Nurturing came easily to her therefore it is of no surprise that countless lives have been impacted by Sylvia's ministry - both in the church and beyond. This coupled with her and Brian's children all walking with the Lord will be her legacy: many grow weary and fall away, but not in the Atkins clan. I am convinced that every generation will continue to put God first, to serve others and be a blessing. Personally, Sylvia has been there through all of the major parts of my adult life since receiving salvation at 21. Sylv was there when Shell got saved, when Shell and I got married, through the time we struggled to conceive and then when Ellie was born. Sylv would have prayed through all of those times on our behalf - for that I am truly thankful. One of the most important roles Sylvia took on was of encouragement: Sylv was always there to guide me as a worship leader. Looking out as I led, Sylv was always 'going for it' which was all about her love for Him, but it made it easier to 'go for it' myself too. I am pretty sure that right now Sylvia will be at every praise party in heaven - dancing, singing and shaking her tambourine.

I, John, and, before her death, my wife Evelyn, have always regarded it as a privilege to be part of Sylvia’s (and Brian’s) extended family through the marriage of our son, Andrew, to their daughter, Rachel. Both the family of Brian and Sylvia, and their Church, Sheldon Community Church, have seemed to us to be like a second home. In both church and family, Sylvia has played a substantial role, radiating the love of Jesus. We have loved her, and feel deprived of more happy years in her company. She, of course, is now (and for ever) in the wonderful company of her Saviour Jesus, as we shall be one day.