Louise Atkinson

Louise (Cotter) Atkinson, age 94, of Clever, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. She was born on January 5, 1931, to Edward and Doxie (Shrable) Cotter.

Louise graduated from Viola High School in Viola, Arkansas, with the Class of 1949, where she was honored as salutatorian. She continued her education at Harding University and the University of Arkansas before earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, specializing in Home Economics.

On June 7, 1958, Louise married the love of her life, Jim Atkinson. They shared a beautiful marriage filled with faith, family, and adventure until his passing in 2013.

Faith was the foundation of Louise’s life. She was a founding member of Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa, Missouri, where she joyfully shared her gift of hospitality. Her kindness and generosity touched many — her famous casseroles and pies were always delivered with love to anyone in need.

Louise had a true passion for teaching and a deep love for her students. Over the course of more than thirty years, she taught in several schools throughout Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas, before retiring from the Nixa School District. She left a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.

A talented seamstress, Louise crafted beautiful clothing and quilts, all stitched with love. She also enjoyed gardening — especially tending her beautiful rose bushes — and was known for being an exceptional cook. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and a place where everyone felt loved and cared for.

After retiring, Louise and Jim cherished their time traveling together, especially their treasured trips to Canada.

Louise is survived by her children, Eddie (Trish) Atkinson and Karen (Mike) Gohr; grandchildren, Cody (Regina) Gohr, Brittany (Trevor) Conner, Duke (Kelly) Schupbach, and Jodie (Kevin Turpin) Payne; great-grandchildren, Leighton and Brody Gohr, Sibyl and Aivyn Conner, and one on the way, Kenton Conner; Emma (Dylan) Corbett and John Schupbach; great-great-grandchildren, Harper and Max Corbett; sisters-in-law, Aileen Cotter and Roxie Cotter; brother-in-law, J.D. Barber; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Jim Atkinson; brothers, John Cotter and Ransey Cotter; and sisters, Mildred Foresee, Corene Hodges, and Treva Barber.

Louise will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous spirit, her devotion to family, and her gift for making everyone feel at home. Her life was a beautiful example of love in action, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Special thanks to Theresa Bainter, Teresa Benson, Tangie Crosby, and the other caregivers whose kindness and care meant so much to Louise and her family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to alz.org/greatermissouri or any charity of choice.  

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa with Chaplain Steve Martin officiating with burial to follow at Frazier Cemetery, Boaz.  Visitation will precede the funeral service from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.