In Loving Memory of Dr. Joe Louis Atkins
Joe L. Atkins was born on March 6, 1936 in Jefferson Texas, to the parentage of Willie and Mable Atkins. His family moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1950, where he continued his formal education. He was a 1954 graduate of Lincoln High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas Western, now the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1955 Joe applied for admission to North Texas State College, which is now the University of North Texas. When denied admission, His father and the NAACP filed suit on his behalf in December 1955. The court ruled in his favor. In January of 1956. North Texas State College was open to all African Americans. Joe went on to earn a Master of Education Degree from the University of North Texas. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He married Marjorie and their union was blessed with one son, Joseph Bernard Atkins.
Mr. Atkins taught Journalism and English at James Madison High School and North Dallas High School from 1963 to1974. He served as a Field Representative for the Texas State Teacher’s Association from 1974 to 1997. Where he built a distinguished career defending teachers and developing new leaders.
At the time of his passing, Joe was a real Estate Broker with Joe Atkins Realty, having left Blair White Realtors in March of 2015 to join his son’s business.
For his professional and civic accomplishments. Mr. Atkins was awarded the “outstanding Texas Award”
By the Texas Legislature Black Caucus in March 2001. In December 2004 the University of North Teas concluded its yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary of desegregation by recognizing Mr. Atkins as barrier breaker alumnus” and awarding him a Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the University’s fall commencement ceremony. Dr. Atkins received the Texas NAACP 2005 Heroes Award on October 8, 2005, for his heroic deeds and service in advancing the cause of civil rights, liberty, and justice. He also received the Maurine F. Bailey Cultural Foundation Award in 2007 for community service.
Dr. Atkins was a member of the Dallas Police Chief Advisory Committee, past chair of the MetroTex Board of Realtors Public education Committee; Board member, African American Museum, Co-Chair, Educators Archives and History Project; Vice President, East Texas Historical Association; Chairman, Good Street Baptist Church Federal Credit Union; and a member of TSTA and NEA.
Joe Atkins is survived by a loving and devoted wife, Marjorie Atkins; son, Joseph Atkins (Charity); ; Brother, Willie H. Atkins; sisters, Billie Lewis and Eva Burleson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
