Fredreica Elizabeth Heinz Atkins died on Saturday, March 17 th in Birmingham, Alabama, of Alzheimer’s disease. She was born January 3, 1938, the daughter of former Selma Mayor Christian Burfitt Heinz and his wife Frances Caldwell Allen Heinz. She was educated in Selma public schools and graduated from Albert G. Parrish High School. She attended Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia, and the University of Alabama where she was affiliated with Kappa Delta Sorority.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Victor Bethune Atkins, Jr., and two children: Fredreica Atkins Speyer and her husband Paul Gregory Speyer of Birmingham, and Victor Bethune Atkins, III, and his wife Jennifer Hawkins Atkins of New Orleans; five grandchildren: Katherine Lanning Speyer (Kate) and Julien Smith Speyer of Birmingham; Ellefair Hawkins Atkins, Victor Bethune Atkins, IV, and Archer Hairston Atkins of New Orleans. She is also survived by a nephew Ernest Bishop Rockwell, two nieces: Chris Heinz Rockwell and Frances Rockwell Stewart, as well as numerous cousins and beloved friends. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Jean Heinz Rockwell.

Mrs. Atkins was a member of the Colonial Dames, Selma Charity League, Selma Art Guild, Pandora and Ossian Club. She was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was a member of the Altar Guild and the Daughters of the King.

The family is very thankful for the wonderful care Mrs. Atkins received from Cedar Hill Assisted Living Facility at Vaughan Place in Selma, St. Martin’s in the Pines and New Beacon Hospice in Birmingham.

A memorial service for Fred will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 31 st at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or a favorite charity.