Astor A. Atkins' Obituary
Astor Abraham Atkins was born July 4, 1929 in the district of Galloway Bethel Town in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica to the late Louis Augustus and Ella Victoria Morris Atkins. On Monday morning, January 25, 2016 at Winkler Court Nursing Home, Ft. Myers, Astor’s heart stopped beating. The Lord had called him home. At an early age, Astor left home and went to Montego Bay to seek employment and further his education. While in Montego Bay, Astor applied for a position as a policeman to the Jamaican Constabulary. He was called to Kinston for the test, which he passed, and began training. He served on the Jamaican Constabulary force for approximately 13 years. While in Kingston, he became a member of the East Queen Baptist Church and joined “The Fraternal Men’s Choir”. Astor met and married Gloria in June 1959 and remained with her until her passing in 2000. In 1967, Astor migrated to the United States where he worked as a security guard for several banks. He joined the Bronx Baptist Church in New York City where he was an active member. Astor was a great baritone and loved the old hymns. Astor and Gloria moved to Cape Coral, Florida in 1993 after his retirement in New York. He had a beautiful home and gardens which was the envy of the neighborhood. He joined the First Baptist Church of Cape Coral and was a member for many years. Astor loved to tell stories and he could have you laughing constantly. Astor was loved by family and friends. He was a caring and loving man. He took pride in his appearance and was always impeccably dressed from head to toe. He was an avid gardener and thought nothing of giving fruits and vegetables from the garden to all who asked. He was a kind man who never refused to do anyone a favor, if asked. During the last few months of his illness, Astor wanted to go to Jamaica to spend time with his sister, Letha. He would say, “I don’t care how I get there, I just want to go”, but he was too sick to travel. Astor had a massive heart attack on April 22, 2015, and his health worsened daily. He was taken to Winkler Court Nursing Home which became his residence on May 1, 2015. The staff at Winkler Court were very loving and took good care of him. They said that he was always pleasant, grateful and never forgot to say “please” and “thank you”. Mr. Atkins leaves behind a daughter, Andrea, who he loved dearly, his sisters, Letha Boswell, Patricia Atkins, brother, Bradley Atkins and a host of nieces, nephews and many close friends. A special thank you to Franklin and Zelda Ross who visited Astor almost every day, fed and prayed with him. Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 4, 2016 with burial to follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Following interment, friends are invited to join the family for refreshments in the Colonial Family Center in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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