Marilyn Nicholson Atkinson

Marilyn (Nicholson) Atkinson, was born in Austin, Texas; Travis County on March 19, 1954 to the late Georgia D. Nicholson and Norman Nicholson.  Marilyn departed this life on Monday, January 1, 2024 at home with her family, after a long and well-fought illness.

Marilyn was raised and attended school in Bastrop County.  At an early age she was introduced to Christ and was a member at Macedonia Baptist Church in Bastrop, Texas.

Marilyn lived in the Austin, Texas area from the 1970s until around 1994.  In early years, she worked in various administrative and transport positions for doctor offices.  Over the last 20 years, she worked as a caregiver to various patients.

She was married to Lee Atkinson in 1992.

She moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas in the mid 1990’s where she continued raising her family and was a member of New Zion Grove Baptist Church.  She returned home to Bastrop in November 2022 and served as a member of Mt. Rose Baptist Church until her death.

Marilyn was a free spirit.  She loved life and knew how to appreciate and enjoy the life she lived; without excuse, without complaint.   Marilyn loved all her family and was well-loved in return.  She always wanted everyone to be respectful, happy, and fulfilled; and spoke strongly about these things to people in her circle.  She showed great concern for her children and went to great lengths to protect and care for their well-being.  Marilyn was a natural “giver”; and received joy in sharing the things she had.  Making others smile; made her smile.  She was a very caring, compassionate and considerate person. She had a positive outlook on life and hated being in the presence of negativity. She was a great supporter and an encourager and found joy in the successes of others.  She could tell stories that made you laugh until you cried, and it was always a joy to be in her presence.

Marilyn is predeceased by her father, Norman “Nick” Nicholson; mother, Georgia D. Nicholson; son, Leon Deshawn Nicholson; brothers, Reginald L. Nicholson and Donnie Jones; and sister, Frenchie Gipson.

Left to cherish her memories are: son, James Lydell Nicholson of Bastrop, TX; daughter, Laverne Nicholson of Austin, TX; daughters, Derionna Nicholson of North Little Rock, AR, Charmane Shepherd of Bastrop, TX and Shamia Shepherd of Bastrop, TX; brother, Brent Nicholson of Bastrop, TX; sister, Carolyn Nicholson Warren (Brandon) of Bastrop, TX, brother, Vaughan Nicholson (Margie) of Austin, TX.; brother, Vincent Nicholson of Bastrop, TX.; brother, Larry Jones of North Little Rock, AR; sisters, Loretta Cage, and Angie Richardson of North Little Rock, AR; 4 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and special friends.

Marilyn Nicholson Atkinson will be dearly missed; but never forgotten!