Betty Gene Orr AtkinsonMemphis, TNBetty Gene Orr Atkinson, of Memphis, died on December 23, 2016. She was from Como, MS and born on February 11, 1932 to Miriam Wardlaw Orr and Edward Robert Orr, Jr. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Elisha White Atkinson, Sr. "E.W." and her brothers, Robert Wardlaw Orr, Sr., and John Wardlaw Orr. Betty is survived and dearly loved by her son, Elisha White Atkinson, Jr., daughter, Miriam Atkinson Smith, son-in-law, Robert Irwin Smith, five grandchildren, Elisha White Atkinson, III, Sarah Atkinson Ball (Erik), Ann Atkinson Schnuerer (Richard), Elizabeth Smith Smith (Lewis), and Miriam Smith Spradling (John), and one great-grandson, Lewis Frazer Smith, Jr., born on December 22.A regal southern belle with a warm, beautiful smile and a deep love for her family, friends, and Savior Jesus Christ, Betty loved researching family history, reading, and studying scripture. She was a Bible Study Fellowship leader and a devoted member of Independent Presbyterian Church, Chi Omega sorority, Daughters of the American Revolution, and The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Betty graduated from Ward-Belmont High School in Nashville, attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and graduated from The University of Mississippi with honors. The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and staff of the Allen Morgan Health Center and two longtime caregivers, Evelyn McCallum and Gail Wooten.The funeral service will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, December 27 at Como United Methodist Church, where Betty and E.W. married in 1956. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery with a reception to follow at the church.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Independent Presbyterian Church, 4738 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38117, or to Como United Methodist Church, 101 N. Main St., Como, MS, 38619.