Dorothy Jean Atkinson, 91, died Thursday, November 11, 2021, in Newport News following a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Newport News, she was born in Warwick County on April 9, 1930, the daughter of Benjamin F. and Dorothy Langslow Atkinson. She grew up in Hilton Village, and graduated from Newport News High School in 1947, before attending Mary Baldwin College, where she graduated in 1951. She later earned a graduate degree (M.Ed.) from the College of William & Mary. Jean was an educator who worked for the Newport News School System for her entire career, as a teacher and Guidance Director at Warwick High School, and finally as an administrator for many years. She was a member of Hilton Presbyterian Church and active in many local organizations, including the Mariners’ Museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. A kind, generous person, Jean enjoyed meeting new people and had many lifelong friendships. An outstanding Bridge player, avid learner and brilliant conversationalist, Jean was always interested in new books and progressive ideas.

She is survived by her nephew, David Atkinson, his wife, Amy Atkinson, and grand nieces, Eleanor and Lucy Atkinson, all of Atlanta, Georgia; and other family. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Stuart W. Atkinson, and nephew, John S. Atkinson.

All services will be private. The family will host a celebration of her life for friends and colleagues at a later date.