Richard Webster “Dickie” Atkinson, 82, of Youngstown, Ohio transitioned from this earthly life on Saturday, February 17, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones. A native and lifelong resident of Youngstown, Ohio, he was born on January 25, 1942, to Daniel Webster and Ella Nora Billue Atkinson; where he was raised with his three siblings, eldest sister Evelyn Jackson; Wendell and Howard (Butch) Atkinson; and his sister-cousin Rosetta Eatman. Richard graduated from the Rayen School and attended Youngstown State University.
Richard was married for 57 years, to the love of his life Eugenia (Jeanne) Calwise Atkinson, together they raised five children Cortland Allen; Najuma Elizabeth; Wendell Omari; Akilah Golden and Jamila Billue Atkinson. He served our Country in the U.S. Army, where he was honorably discharged. He was employed by U.S. Steel; United Parcel Service, for over 20 years; and retired as a Corridor Administrator with the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Richard’s greatest joy later in life was spending time with his immediate family and all he claimed as family. He never missed a major event for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Known for his quick wit and energy, he would light up any room he entered.
The epitome of a Servant Leader, Richard, spent a significant amount of his time as a community activist and assisting anyone he could. A founding member of Freedom Inc. and the Marcus Garvey School, which helped members and attendees build a strong sense of purpose and an understanding of community.
Richard was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Youngstown for over 80 years, where he served as Chairman of the Tabernacle Deacons Ministry and worked closely with Tabernacle’s Ministerial Leadership providing direct assistance in administration and management of church program and functions.
He dedicated his life to the Mahoning Valley, serving as President of the North Side Citizens Coalition; an elected official for the Third Ward representative to Youngstown City Council, where he served on several committees and as President Pro Tempore. Richard was also elected to and served as the President of the Youngstown Board of Education.
A strong advocate for those most in need of assistance, Richard chaired the Board of Trustees of Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Program; was a Board Member of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Development Foundation, a member of the Mercy Health Board of Directors and the District XI Area Agency on Aging; as well as Goodwill Industries Housing Corp. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Girl Scouts of Mahoning Valley, Youngstown Area Urban League. He served on the advisory boards for Mill Creek Park; Community Corrections Corporation of America (Youngstown Unit); and Community Advisory Board, Mahoning County Human Services Department.
Richard will be met at Heaven’s gates by his parents Dan and Ella; son Cortland Allen, sisters Evelyn Jackson, Arlene Burroughs, Willa Neal, Elizabeth Williams, Mary Anne Smith, Carrie Belle Whiteside, Bernice Jacoway; brothers Wendell and Howard Atkinson; JL(Tompy) and David Jackson Jr; sister-in-law Theresa Shumpert; nephew Derrick Atkinson.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Eugenia, children Najuma Elizabeth, Wendell Omari, Akilah Golden and Jamila Billue Atkinson, who relocated and cared for him daily. Beloved grandchildren Shelia Allen; Jessica(Ron) Scott; Shayla Allen; Brynn Allen; Tatyana Imani Atkinson; Brandon Angelo Bucci; Quin DeAngelo Ward; Neikal LaFaye Jones Atkinson; Osagie Omari Atkinson; great-grandchildren Arianna Allen, Dominic Henderson; Carter and Ronald Scott III; Azari Indigo Atkinson; sister-cousin Rosetta Eatman; sister-in-law Lugenia Atkinson Wilder, who helped care for him, Frances Jackson; brother-in-laws James Calwise Jr.; Alphonso(Mervis) Calwise; Joseph Calwise; Joe Nathan(Lilllie) Calwise; sister-in-laws Patrica Richardson; Evereen Calwise Islam, Lorraine Queener; Vanessa(Robert) Calwise West; Mary Calwise; Ruthie(George) Stacy; his nieces Debra(Marco) Sommerville(the favorite),Tina Thompson, Sonji Atkinson, Simone Atkinson; nephew Jahmal Atkinson; special cousins Zana Billue, Charles Baldwin, Marva Jernigan; Olivia Atkinson, Keiante Mackie; namesakes Richard Jackson and Ricky Whiteside and a host of other relatives, nieces and nephews.
Also left to cherish his memory Dr. Dwayne Hill; Cameron Hill; Braydon Hill; Rian Andrea Norris; Bob (Valerie) Beal; Leon Price; Charles (Dr. Darrell) Grace; Dr. Ron Daniels, Clyde(Gayle) Allen; Kristy(John) Gore; Anthony Perez; Anderson Tate; Farren McClendon; Wydell Patterson; Marc Chance; Robert K. Williams.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 707 Arlington Street, Youngstown, Oh 44510. Calling hours will also be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Funeral ceremony will immediately follow and will be live streamed at sommervillefuneralservices.com Interment Todd Cemetery.