Martha Smith Atkins

Died: May 3, 2008

MADISONVILLE -- Martha Smith Atkins, 74, of Hiwassee College, Madisonville, died Saturday after several years of declining health.

She is survived in Greeneville by a sister, Mrs. Thomas "Jack" (Georgia) Lister Sr.

Born July 2, 1933, in Greeneville, she was a daughter of the late Ivan Edgar and Rosa Belle Smith. She was named after Martha Arnold "Arne" Susong, later Mrs. John M. Jones.

Mrs. Atkins was a graduate of Greeneville High School and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.

Mrs. Atkins was a retired Athens school teacher.

She was a widely-known and widely-loved elementary school teacher at Ingleside in the Athens City School System for 40 years.

A few of those years were spent at Doak Elementary and St. James Elementary schools in Greene County.

After retirement she taught English to Japanese students at Hiwassee College.

Mrs. Atkins was chosen "Teacher of the Year" in Athens City School System as well as the "District Teacher of the Year" in 1985.

She was an active member of Buckner Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of United Methodist Women until her health would not permit her to do so.

She was a teacher of children and served in various capacities at the church during her 40 years as a member.

" 'Aunt Martha's' life could be described by her congenial spirit, glowing personality and generous heart," her family stated.

In addition to her sister, she is survived by her husband of 50 years: Howard K. Atkins; a sister and brother-in-law: Mary Frances and the Rev. Lee Cate of Clinton; her sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law: Berla Smith of Johnson City, Mayola Cardin of Maryville, and Loretta and Hugh Watson of Marietta, Ga.; her very special nieces and nephews: Frances Malone, Jimmy Henley, Jeff Henley, Tommy Cate, Herman Cate, Carolyn Shular, Leanna Cate, Steve Smith, Bill Smith, Star McHan, Jack Lister Jr., Kim Tolley, Kelly Watson, Barbara Hanson, Joy Turner, Ray Campbell, Doris Yates, Mary Godbey, Ruth Crawford, and Richard Cardin; several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and her very special friends and caregivers: Birdie McConkey, Maudie Hicks and Joyce Millsaps.

She was preceded in death by a brother:, Bill Smith, Sr.; and a sister: Louise Smith Rhudy.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:45 today at Buckner Memorial UM Church. An Eastern Star service will follow at 7:45 p.m.

A celebration of life service will be held at 8 o'clock this evening at the church. The Rev. Eric Doolittle, Dr. Clarence McCall, and the Rev. Lee Cate will officiate.

A committal service will be held at noon Tuesday in GreeneLawn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Cate, Herman Cate, Ray Shular, Kevin Crowe, Bill Smith Jr., Steve Smith, Jack Lister Jr., Barry Tolley, Jeff Henley, Jim Henley and Dick McHan.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Buckner Memorial UM Church, the members of the UMW, Birdie McConkey, Maudie Hicks and Joyce Millsaps.

Memorial contributions may be made to Buckner Memorial UM Church.

Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville, is in charge of arrangements.