Obituary of Claudia Jean Atkins

Claudia J. (Walker) Atkins, age 66, of Shelby Township, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at her home, following a valiant and brave battle with Frontotemporal Dementia.  Claudia was born on October 3, 1954, the daughter of Harold and Barbara (Sparks) Walker.  She grew up in Madison Heights and later Royal Oak, graduating from Kimball High School in 1972.  After high school Claudia attended the Dale Carnegie Institute in Detroit, completing training to become a Medical Assistant. On September 25, 1982 Claudia married Richard Atkins in Royal Oak, and their son Bradley was born in Rochester on October 15, 1984.  After leaving her professional life for several years to care for Bradley, Claudia later worked as a Manager at the Little Green Apple (Hallmark) in Shelby Township, and then worked for Utica Community Schools for over 20 years as a Paraprofessional in Elementary Special Education.  Claudia is best remembered for her warm smile, her sense of humor, her love of family, and caring and advocating for children with special needs.  Claudia is survived by her husband Richard, son Bradley of Macomb Twp, and mother Barbara Walker of Shelby Twp. She is also survived by her sister Jill (Robert) Taylor of Shelby Twp., brother Douglas (Jill) Walker of Madison Heights, nieces Megan Walker and Grace Taylor, best friend and second sister Kathleen Pruss of Macomb Twp, and many more relatives and friends.  Claudia was preceded in death by her father Harold Walker, and mother in law Doris Atkins.