Graveside Service for Christine R Atkinson, age 96 of Bakersfield, will be 1pm, Friday, May 11, 2018, at Wasco Memorial Park, with a Memorial Service following at 4pm at Bakersfield First Church of the Nazarene. Brett Smith will officiate. Christine passed away on Saturday, May 05, 2018 at her residence, in Bakersfield. She was born on Aug 31, 1921 in Mc Alester, Oklahoma to John and Dora Knox. The family moved from Oklahoma to California in 1937, like so many others, to work in the fields of the central valley of California. Christine married the love of her life, Oscar Tom Atkinson, December 24, 1940. They eventually became business owners in Wasco, owning Tom's Coffee Shop and the 76 gas station. Christine was an active member of Bakersfield First Church of the Nazarene and The Nazarene Church in Wasco. Christine loved singing and had a gift for teaching the Scriptures in Sunday School and Community Bible Study. She leaves behind her son; Randall (Helen) Atkinson, daughter; Sandra Smith, grandchildren; Shane Smith, Andrew Smith, Bradley Atkinson, Eileen Atkinson, Great Grandchildren; Wyatt Smith and Vincent Atkinson, Brothers; Charles Knox and John Knox, Jr. "We love you and miss you"