Jesse Anderson Atkins

Jesse Anderson Atkins, 86, of Chesterfield passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. He was the son of the late Oliver Atkins and Florie Bell Jones. He is survived by his wife, Frances Raye Atkins; daughter, Tara Atkins-Brady (Ed) and son, Todd Atkins (Jodi); three granddaughters (Emma, Ella, and Rosa); sister Ellen Holland; and brother Oliver Atkins. He was preceded in death by his brothers Dan Atkins and Richard Atkins.

Jess grew up in Isle of Wight County, and was a graduate of Smithfield High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In June of 1963, he married Frances Raye Turner and for the next 63 years remained a devoted husband, faithful provider, and caring father to his family. After Jess retired from a decades-long and successful civil service career, he and Raye moved to Chesterfield to be closer to their extended family.

During his 86 short years this side of Heaven, Jess was a pilot, poet, golfer, public speaker, creative writer and storyteller (just ask his granddaughters!), and a deep thinker with a sharp mind, an ever-curious spirit, and a very generous heart. Jess is remembered as a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend who lived out his faith in God and in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through service, caring, and kindness.

For family and friends close to Chesterfield, the family extends an invitation to A Celebration of Life service, to be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 3110 Greenwood Avenue, Colonial Heights, Virginia. Reception to follow.

For family and friends close to Smithfield, the family extends an invitation to a graveside service to be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, June 25, 2026 at St. Luke’s Memorial Park Cemetery in Smithfield, Virginia.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com