Atlas Dawn McPherson was born on August 30, 2023 to his adoring parents, Jon and Shalyn McPherson. He passed away in his mother’s arms and was welcomed into Jesus’ arms surrounded by family and a lot of love on January 26, 2025.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Atlas was one of a kind. His mother would always say she could not get enough of him. She was obsessed. Dad had to ask to even hold him! Atlas spent a lot of time with his six siblings, family, and many friends. He never ran out of people who loved and doted on him. From home, to church, to homeschool gatherings, and friend/family outings, there was always someone, especially teenagers, eager to hold cute baby Atlas!
He had the biggest brown eyes that brought joy and made you smile no matter what was going on. He brought immeasurable joy and light.
Some of the things we will miss the most about Atlas:
- His smile, it was everything. He could get out of a lot trouble with that smile.
- His laugh, it was contagious.
- His dancing, he loved dancing with his siblings.
- His cuddles.
- His baby feet and how they would clomp all over the house. You knew he was coming!
- His smell.
- His car noises while reading a book.
Now, we miss the messes he would make, the noises he would make, the many wake ups, and the many times he would take off his diaper and run around naked and looking for us and run because he knew we would chase him down!
And watching him with his older siblings and how they all melted to him. He really did bring so much joy to us all. He was affectionately called Miguel by his older brother Elijah. He would play hard to get with big bro Samuel, making him work for his kisses! He loved hoverboard rides with Evelyn. His buddy was Maximus! Maximus waited a long time for a brother and they were best friends from the beginning. He loved playing with Eleanor and making Phoenix mad by taking her toys and running, but they would always would end up back where they started playing together.
All these things and many many more we will miss greatly.
Even though Atlas was taken from us much too soon, he was able to teach us so much in such a short amount of time, namely time. It’s not guaranteed. Our time with Atlas was so short but our time with him will always stay with us for a lifetime. It also taught us love in insurmountable ways. Even in his death, Atlas pulled so many people together and reminded everyone that life is short and not to take all the special moments, even the chaotic ones, for granted.
Mommy and daddy will never forget you, baby boy We will carry your memory always! We were blessed to know you.
Atlas is survived by his parents Jon and Shalyn McPherson; older siblings Elijah, Samuel, Evelyn, Maximus, Eleanor and Phoenix; grandparents Joe Youngblood, James McPherson, and Linda (Dale) Hjelseth; uncles and aunts, Brandon (Erikah) McPherson, Austin (Ashley) Youngblood, and Jessalyn Youngblood; cousins, Justin, Charles, McKenzie, Scotty, Casey, Liam, and Percy; and a multitude of loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother Michelle Youngblood.
Read the full obituary at Kirk Funeral Home
