Mary Mary (courtesy Google)
This week was indeed a challenging one for Tina and Erica Atkins-Campbell of the Mary Mary fame as they lost their father, Elder Eddie Atkins, who had battled cancer for a long time. He was 66 years old.
Tina and Erica thanked everyone for their support at this time via their official Twitter account @therealMaryMary where they posted the following message:
“Our hearts are heavy but we rejoice knowing our father knew we loved him. RIP Elder Eddie A. Atkins Jr. Rest in the arms of Jesus.”
Another message from the urban gospel duo read:
“Thanks for all the kind words and prayers sent today. Our Dad was a great man, but he’s with Jesus now. He taught us to pray and trust God.”
Meanwhile Erica Campbell in an interview granted to essence.com told the magazine what her father meant to her.
“It’s really hard to deal with losing my dad. He was truly the strength of our family. And even though he and my mom were not together anymore, they stood hand-and-hand and side-by-side to support their children.”
She also recalled that her father had been experiencing health challenges for a long time, however he was a fighter and never let any of his challenges get in the way of his attitude to life.
Meanwhile Erica Campbell has officially begun her solo career with a single A Little More Jesus which went up for sale on June 25th. Although Tina and Erica are taking a break from Mary Mary, Tina according to Christian Post, co-wrote songs for her sisters solo debut.
The Atkins family is said to be planning a musical celebration on Sunday June 30th and then funeral services on Tuesday July 02nd in Lynwood, California.
Zjolt™ 
You all are in my prayers, I can tell that you guys are very close, lean on each other for strength, love the entire family. GOD IS LOVE
xo tragic