Cadidrea Atkinson

Cadidrea Atkinson, a beloved daughter, sister, niece, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the age of 31. Her radiant spirit, unwavering strength, and boundless love touched the lives of all who knew her. Born in Johnston County on June 16, 1994, Cadidrea brought joy and warmth into the world from the very beginning. She was known for her infectious smile, compassionate heart, and fierce dedication to her faith, family, and community. Whether offering a listening ear or lending a helping hand, Cadidrea made everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. She proudly graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School in 2013 and went on to attend Barton College. Cadidrea spent her career at MM Packaging as a quality inspector, enjoying the opportunity to work alongside her older sister. This unique bond not only strengthened their relationship but also allowed her to learn invaluable skills in a supportive environment, where she was admired for her integrity, creativity, and tireless work ethic. Inspired by the creative processes at MM Packaging, Cadidrea began experimenting with baking. Her passion for creating delicious cakes soon blossomed into a small business endeavor, as she dreamed of sharing her creations with a wider audience. Baking became not just a hobby but a significant part of her life, fueling her aspirations and creativity. Outside of work, Cadidrea also found joy in becoming a certified nail technician. Socially, Cadidrea was an outgoing individual, known for her warm demeanor. She cherished her family and placed great importance on maintaining close relationships with her loved ones, particularly her big sisters, who were her role models. Their bond was a source of inspiration and strength for her; she often turned to them for guidance and support. Beyond her familial connections, Cadidrea was a dedicated friend. She earned a reputation as a great listener, always willing to offer her time and support to those in need. Her kindness extended to everyone around her; she was often willing to give the shirt off her back to someone less fortunate. Despite her gentle nature, she was not one to be taken advantage of—a balance that made her approachable yet self-assured. Cadidrea had a wide range of interests. She loved immersing herself in stories through books, finding joy in the worlds they created. Fashion captivated her; she expressed herself through her unique style, relishing opportunities to showcase her personality through clothing. Watching movies was another passion, as she delighted in both the stories and the shared experiences with friends during late-night movie marathons. Her adventurous spirit shone through in her love for late-night rides, where she explored her surroundings with a sense of wonder and excitement. She relished trying new foods and embarking on new adventures, always encouraging others to join her exploration. At the core of Cadidrea's being was a strong faith. She prioritized her relationship with God and made it essential to spend time in reflection and prayer. This spiritual grounding shaped her values and the way she interacted with the world, guiding her kindness and openness to everyone she met. Cadidrea's big heart left a lasting impression on everyone, embodying warmth, courage, and a zest for life that inspired those around her.

Cadidrea is survived by her mother Donna Phelps; father Connell Atkinson (Tina); sisters, Siquoia Phelps, Ariana Phelps, Contevia Atkinson,Step sister Jasmine Ricks; Step sister Gabrielle Ricks-Jernigan; brothers, Kevin Atkinson and step- brother Malik Ricks; uncles, Ronald (Janice) Hinton, Jimmie (JoAnn) Atkinson, Elbert (LaTonya) Atkinson; aunts, JoAnn Holder, Julia Ricks, Mary Atkinson and a legacy cherished by her nieces, nephews, relatives, and a wide circle of friends who will all carry forward her legacy of kindness, resilience, and love. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Ashley Atkinson; maternal grandparents, David Phelps and Gwendolyn Williams; paternal grandparents, Joe Atkinson and Elizabeth Mitchener. A celebration of Cadidrea’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 (230pm) at Forest Hills Cemetery, 5479 Little Creek Church Road, Clayton, NC. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and share memories of the remarkable woman she was. Though she may no longer walk beside us, Cadidrea’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched. Her memory is a blessing, and her spirit lives on.