GLOSSIE NETTIE CAMPBELL ATKINS
The mother of Sarasota’s first African-American city commissioner transitions
When she started to laugh, everyone around had to laugh. There was a joy around her that couldn’t always be put into words – a secret, an understanding and a wisdom that couldn’t always be put in words. It was felt, known and experienced by Glossie and the person she was sharing it with. That twinkle in the eye, that charming smile and that irresistible grin pulled you in…you were in the presence of Glossie Nettie Campbell Atkins, and for that moment, you were the most important person in the world.
Glossie passed away peacefully Sunday, May 3, 2020 after battling kidney disease. She was 102 years young. She will be remembered for presence at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center with the “Golden Girls,” where she celebrated her last two birthdays; for her days as church mother at Koinonia Baptist Church, and her many appearances at community events. She was often introduced as the mother of Sarasota’s first African-American mayor and commissioner, Fredd Atkins.
Her parents, Jacob and Nettie Campbell, owned and farmed 100 acres in Marion County. Glossie was one of 13 children and she attended to matters in the house, away from the intense Florida heat. She came of age and married Robert Atkins. The young couple met with tragedy when their toddlers, Robert and Vivian were taken in a house fire. Strong survivors, they forged ahead. In 1946, Glossie’s sister, Ruby Horton, set her sights on business opportunities in southwest Florida. Glossie, her husband and children followed Ruby south for a new experience in Sarasota.
But coming from her upbringing with successful parents, Glossie knew one thing: Campbells didn’t lose. Campbells were winners.
“My mother was a middle-class woman when she moved to Sarasota. In Marion County, her family was the people that gave to other people. During this kind of time, with people needing help, they would have been the ones helping.”
Ruby’s business grew and Glossie worked as a domestic for 35 years, expecting her children to have self-motivation.
Miss Glossie aspired for all her children to do well and be educated. “No doubt she wanted us all educated,” says Fredd Atkins, her middle child and elder statesman.
But she also wanted us to be happy with whatever we chose in life. Ma didn’t dictate to us or manage us. She wanted to make sure she we all got educated. Then she pushed us out of the nest. My mama was the type that raised you (to go) away and expected you to do well. All of us have diverse interests and she celebrated that.”
Children always loved Miss Glossie – her kindness and love were magnets. Fredd notes, “She just collected children. All the children in the neighborhood were hers – she was the julep lady, selling treats. Fredd stated, “She fostered over twenty children, and she didn’t become a foster parent until her late 60s.” Those children never forgot her; a Caucasian boy she fostered looked her up 50 years later and came to thank her for taking care of him.” Miss Glossie knew how to stay connected to the community. “…like walking around the block in her 80s, that was a way to meet the people outside. Mama was interested in other people and their concerns.”
Declining health slowed her down a little in the past few months. “She was amazing!” says Shelia, Fredd’s wife. “I am glad she is at peace and with the Lord.” Glossie was the matriarch of 16 children, 49 grandchildren 68 great-grandchildren and 45 great-great grandchildren who showered her with the love and respect she deserved.
In addition to Robert and Vivian, her sons Jake and Liberace preceded her in death. She is survived by her children Vindray Dudley, Quillian Minnott, Fredd Atkins (Shelia), Vendoria Singleton, Luther Cox (Martha), Jackie (Carlton) Atkins-Gollab and Carman Atkins; her daughters in law Addie Rose Rawls (Jake) and Wanda Green-Atkins (Liberace); her siblings, Althea Jacobs (Moses) and Electra Anderson and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
