Sharon Lee Atkinson

Sharon Lee Fuller Bender Atkinson, 82, of Simpsonville, SC and wife of Harold “Hal” Leon Atkinson, Sr., passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Born in Peoria, IL, she was a daughter of the late Harold H. and Wava Vivien Hollom Fuller.

Mrs. Atkinson was member of Lamb of God Lutheran Church. She worked for many years as a real estate broker in Minnesota and Florida, as well as a long-distance operator for Northwestern Bell, Executive Secretary at Graco Corporation, Administrative Assistant at Scorpion Industries, Publication Director at Bang Printing, and Concession Director at Brainerd International Raceway.  She also volunteered her time as President of the Vacationland Figure Skating Club for six years and at the schools of her grandchildren whenever asked.

Besides her family and friends, Sharon’s passions include finding homes for stray animals, snowmobiling, waterskiing, jet skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, tennis, scuba diving, reading, and knitting dozens of slippers, scarves and mittens for her entire family. She was also the loudest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren.

Those left to honor Sharon’s memory include her husband, Hal; daughter, Dawn Smith and husband, Craig, of Simpsonville; son, Mark Bender of  Cambridge, MN; stepson, Harry Atkinson and wife, Kathy, of East Berlin, PA; stepdaughter, Beth Didreckson and husband, Kent, of Stevens Point, WI; grandchildren, Anna and Evan Smith; five step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Gail Fuller and Wanda Childs.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Deborah Lynn Bender; brothers, Wes Fuller and Ron Childs; and sister Bonnie Ryan.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Lamb of God Lutheran Church (which is located in First Presbyterian Church, 510 E. Curtis Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681) at 6:00 p.m. followed by a time of visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607.