Nina (Gantt) Atkinson

Mrs. Nina Mae Gantt Atkinson, 76, went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 19, 2022.

Nina was born in Columbia, SC.  She is the daughter of the Late Edward Murray Gantt and Wilma Monice Fallaw Gantt.  Nina met the love of her life, Pastor Jackie “Jack” Woodrow Atkinson and they were married in December of 1968.  Nina and Jack have been married for 53 years. 

Nina graduated from Wagener High School in 1963. She attended A. A. Emmanuel College, the University of South Carolina, Florida State University and Converse College where she received her bachelor’s degree.  Nina grew up attending Wagener United Methodist Church.   Her and her family then became members of Wagener Pentecostal Holiness Church where she later met Jack.

Nina was a devoted wife, daughter, and friend.  She was a dedicated Christian, giving untiringly of herself and her talents.  Nina was known as a prayer warrior.  Her and Jack had such a love for the gospel she opened a Christian bookstore in Wagener.  Her Christian journey led her and Jack many places ministering in other states. However, their true calling was Wagener.   She was a founding member of the Chapel of Love Church. 

Nina had a great love for music, she was a registered Music Therapist at the SC State Hospital for fourteen years.  Nina loved to teach others how to play piano and guitar. She taught piano for over 40 years and had a passion for sharing music with all.  Throughout the years, she taught piano and guitar to many in the Wagener community.  She would carry her piano students to concerts all over the state.  Nina also taught guitar at A. L. Corbett Middle School.  Nina played piano at many churches where Jack pastored.  She also taught piano through the Sandra Summer Piano Scholarship.   Nina shared her passion of piano with the Edisto Singers for 26 years as their pianist.  She was instrumental in the founding of the Edisto Singers. 

Nina’s last Christian service was playing the piano for First Baptist Church Wagener. 

Visitation will be from 6 – 7 pm Monday September 26, 2022 at First Baptist Church Wagener.  A memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm.