Bessie Branham Atkins, 88, widow of John Talmadge Atkins, died Sunday, January 29, 2023 at a local nursing facility. Born in Bishopville, she was a daughter of the late Mack Branham and Claudia Branham Branham. Mrs. Atkins was a member of Crosswell Baptist Church. Surviving are 2 sons, Johnny Atkins (Mary) and Thomas Atkins; 2 daughters, Brenda Witherspoon (Steve) and Beverly Ardis (Rod) all of Sumter; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by a daughter, Carolyn Lawrence and 3 brothers. Graveside Services will be held at 3 PM Tuesday in the Sumter Cemetery with Rev. Charles Owens officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Memorials may be made to Crosswell Baptist Church, 604 Mathis St. Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral and Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements.