Mary Mary: Erica and Tina Campbell's Father, Eddie A. Atkins Jr., Died Of Cancer

Erica and Tina Campbell, of Mary Mary, lost their father, Eddie A. Atkins, to Cancer yesterday.  Atkins was a youth minister, a church elder, a husband and a father of eight children.  Along with his wife, an evangelist/chior director, Atkins encouraged his daughters to get involved singing in church choirs and beyond.

Although the certain aspects of the WE Television series, 'Mary Mary,' suggested some unresolved issues with their father, probably resulting from his three-time divorce and remarriage to their mother, Thomasina 'Honey' Atkins, it's clear that deep down they loved their father very much.

The gospel duo tweeted about their father earlier today, saying that they will miss him, but are confident in his salvation.  

Erica & Tina @therealmarymary tweeted:

"Thanks 4 all the kind words & prayers sent today. Our Dad was a great man, but he's with Jesus now he taught us how to pray & trust God." 

"Our hearts are heavy but we can rejoice knowing our father knew we Loved him RIP Elder Eddie A Atkins Jr. Rest in the arms of Jesus Daddy.."

The Campell sisters are hopefully because of their strong faith, and they aim to share that sense of hope with others through their music.  "It's about spreading good news for the world but doing it in the Mary Mary way: banging beats and melodies, intertwined voices and messages of hope," Tina Campbell said according to the Mary Mary website.  "We're committed to our message and purpose."

Erica agrees with this purpose as well.  "It's not just about musical achievements, awards, charts and sales," she said. "That's not our guiding light. It's about connecting with people and offering them real hope...hope that, ultimately, changes lives."

According to the Mary Mary website, the sister's mission is to, "[send] uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone.  Their most recent album, 'Go Get It,' was released in May, 2012.  "People ask us all the time whether we're gospel, inspirational or trying to go pop," said Erica. "Tina and I are artists whose music fits in so many other places. That's always been the leading force behind each of our albums. Knowing who we are, we know each album can be different from the next."

Mary Mary appears on WE tv on Thursday nights at 9/ 8 Central.