Shelia Atkins
Shelia Cassundra Hammond Atkins was born in Manatee County in 1952, but grew up in Newtown.
Her mother Delma Hammond was a cook in the Caples Mansion where the little girl scampered when allowed. Her father, John Hammond was a butler. The Hammond family lived in the carriage house on the grounds situated along Sarasota Bay and traveled back and forth to Alabama every six months when Ralph and Ellen Caples returned home for the summer where they first met the couple.
Mrs. Caples named Sheilia, according to stories shared by her mom. Atkins attended high school during integration and has lived in Sarasota for over six decades. She and her husband, former Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins are active in the community. The paraprofessional aide is employed at Alta Vista Elementary. Mrs. Atkins oral history interview was provided by New College of Florida Oral History Program.
Collecting Recollections: Shelia Atkins at The Ringling
