Joseph Atkinson, Jr.

Joseph Atkinson Jr., a retired Navy veteran and resident of Caruthersville, MO died unexpectedly on April 8, 2025, at the age of 58 in Kennett, MO.

Joseph was born in Flint, MI on July 12, 1966, to Joseph Atkinson Sr. and Gladys Jennings. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating Caruthersville High School and served two tours in Desert Storm in Kuwait. After retirement from the Navy, Joseph lived many years in Long Beach, CA and Burlington, NJ before settling back in his hometown of Caruthersville, MO.

Joseph is survived by his mother, Gladys Jennings of Caruthersville, MO; his siblings, Corintha Jones and Felicia Pollard, both of Caruthersville, MO; Florene Jennings of Dyersburg, TN; Darryl Jennings of Jonesboro, AR; and Tony Jennings of Southaven, MS; and his nieces and nephews, Mitchell Jones, Victoria Atkinson, Demetria Bennett, Lamar Jones, Darius Bennett, Damien Bennett, Malik Jones, and Asia Frye. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Atkinson Sr. of Flint, MI; his brother and sister, Leroy Jennings Jr. and Brenda Atkinson, both of Caruthersville, MO; Rita Frye of Long Beach, CA; and his nephew Deion Bennett.

Joseph was a devoted son, brother, and friend. He enjoyed going to the casino and making handmade crafts to sell at flea markets and online. Joseph’s kindness was felt by many because he was always willing to lend a helping hand to the people he loved and cared about. His warmth, generosity, and dry sense of humor will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Funeral services for Joseph will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at H.S. Smith Funeral Home in Caruthersville. Visitation will begin at noon followed by a service at 1:00 PM. Reverend Johnny Hood will officiate.  

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