Beatrice Irene Atkinson a 45 year resident of Severna Park passed away August 29, 2011 at the age of 90. She was born June 17, 1921 in Blackstone, VA to Annie and Bennie Draper.


Beatrice was a 1943 graduate of Mary Washington College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She lettered in athletics five times and was the captain of the women's basketball team. Following graduation she was recruited by the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department as a cryptologist in Washington, D.C. Beatrice then moved to Georgia to work as a dietician at the Warner Robins Air Station. Following World War II she moved to Richmond, VA. There she worked as the Director of Dietary Services at the Medical College of Virginia.


In June of 1947, she married George P. Atkinson, Jr. of Richmond, VA. Bea and George were blessed with seven children and settled in Severna Park, MD in 1966. Beatrice was the family matriarch and very much enjoyed spending time with her children, twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren.


She was active in many organizations in her life including the DAR, Colonial Dames, 55+, AAUW, Great Decisions and the Red Hat Society. For many years she guided walking tours for Historic Annapolis. She was involved in the organization of the Ladies Nine Hole Group at Eisenhower Golf Club in Crownsville, MD. She enjoyed playing golf into her 80's. Bea loved to travel and did so extensively. Throughout the years she traveled all the continents of the world. In her 80's she was fortunate to have the opportunity to cruise around the world on four separate occasions. Beatrice lived a very full, independent and active life.


She was preceded in death by her husband George in 1984, and her brother Irving Draper. She is survived by her seven children, Michael Atkinson of Lothian, Nora Spicer of Chester, Sandra Hallahan of Severna Park, Nancy Zeni of Annapolis, George Atkinson of Washington D.C, Jeffrey Atkinson MD of Arnold and Laura Atkinson of Annapolis; Twelve grandchildren Michael George Atkinson, Joy Chillcoat, Heather Macey, Michael Ihnat, Greg Ihnat, Stephanie Wantland, Landry Bennett, AJ Spicer, Ian Atkinson, Allison Atkinson, Aidan Atkinson and Wilson Hallahan; Six great Grandchildren, brother William Draper and Sister Mildred Atkinson.


A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday September 2, 2011 at The Church of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic 689 Ritchie Highway Severna Park, MD 21146.


Beatrice wished to have donations made in memory of her late husband to the ALS Association Development Department 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250 Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.