Ernest "Mickey" Atkins

Ernest "Mickey" Atkins, Age 71, of Southfield, MI passed away March 18, 2020.

Ernest Michael Atkins, affectionately known as Mickey, was born August 7, 1948 to the late James and Marie Atkins in Detroit, MI.

Mickey attended Detroit Public Schools where he graduated from Mackenzie High School. He began singing, dancing and playing guitar at a very young age. His talents led to him winning talent contests and his love for entertaining began to blossom. He then began to play the keyboard and organ which later led him on a path of musical adventures and discovery. At just 18 years old he became the original keyboard player for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, traveling all over and making his mark on the world. Mickey loved God and his church family. He attended God’s Grace Missionary Baptist Church where he was the Minister of Music. He also loved to play bingo, have jam sessions with his friends at his home and abroad, and he absolutely loved spending time with his family.

Mickey was a beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Son. He touched the hearts and lives of many with his music, with an unforgettable richness of love that left you forever changed. He told it to you straight and believed in honesty and telling the truth, even if you got in trouble for it! He didn’t take any mess and no matter if you loved it or hated it, you respected him for it.

Mickey leaves to cherish his loving memory his former wife and lifelong best friend Harrietta Atkins; his children: Yolanda Nelson, Ernest Atkins, Gideon Atkins, Breana (Daniel) Kyle, Michael Atkins; Grandchildren Paris, London, Dallas; Siblings James (Sandy) Clarke, Deborah (James) Bell, Valerie Paul; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Marie Evelyn Atkins, father James Gideon Atkins, and his sister Carolyn Willis-Halfday.

During this unprecedented time of a nationwide pandemic, businesses across the nation are changing occupancy accommodations, and in turn this will directly affect the services for Ernest “Mickey” Atkins. Please continue to post messages on Facebook for the family of Mickey to receive. Also, look for updates of a later announcement for the service in August. Thank you for your prayers, love, messages and understanding during these unprecedented times.

With Love, The family of Ernest “Mickey” Atkins