Methodism and May Day: Intertwined in History
May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…
Rev. Donna Atkinson, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on January 27, 2026.
During her ministry, she faithfully served the following appointments: Blue Island: Grace (Associate); Harvey: Academy; Chicago Heights: First; Chicago Northern District (Superintendent); and Highland Park: Bethany.
Rev. Atkinson was 85 years old.
Funeral services will take place on April 18, 11 a.m., at
First United Methodist Church
128 N. Martin Luther King Jr Ave.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Clergy are invited to robe or wear a stole for the processional.
Messages of condolence may be sent to her daughter, Brittany Williams, or 514 Eighth St., Apt. 1, Waukegan, IL 60085.
You may also send condolences to her brother, Frederick Allen, and his spouse, Sandy.
May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…
The Northern Illinois Conference has decided to discontinue The NIC Reporter. Survey feedback, declining readership, and budget constraints made it necessary to shift resources toward more wid…
About 40 youth and adults from across Northern Illinois took part in the “Who Is My Neighbor?” interfaith bus tour on April 18, visiting several places of worship in the…
About 40 United Methodists from across Illinois gathered at the state Capitol on April 15 for an advocacy day organized by the Northern Illinois Con…