Carla Michelle Atkinson Gatlin, age 78, of Bryan, TX, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was born December 7, 1947, in Waynesboro, Mississippi to R.C Atkinson, Jr. and Joyce Rainwater Atkinson. Michelle was an only child, although she grew up with many cousins. She was granddaughter to Roy Clifton Atkinson and Vinidray Crumble Weaver and of Luther Henderson Rainwater & Annie Della Pugh. Michelle was preceded in death by both her parents.

   She is survived by her daughter, Carla Hilland with her son-in-law Jeremy Hilland and their children Jacob and Julianna Allen Hilland, Ashlyn Hilland, Andrew Hilland, her sister-in-law, Gilda Gatlin, Carla’s father, Tally Wayne Gatlin and numerous cousins.

   Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m. A private immediate family burial will take place at New Hope Methodist Church Cemetery in Waynesboro, Mississippi.