Wanda Atchley Martin

Wanda Atchley Martin went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday April 25, 2026. Wanda was born on June 11, 1939, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Lee and Sadie Atchley. The family later moved to Memphis where Wanda grew up . She graduated from Treadwell High School in 1957 and went on to Mississippi College for Women and then to Memphis State University where she earned her Bachelor of Education. She later earned her Master of Education from Memphis State University by going to night school. Wanda taught in the Memphis City Schools for 39 years and “retired” very briefly before going back to Presbyterian Day School to be the reading specialist for another seven years. She was beloved by her students, their parents and her colleagues, who for many years during and after she taught , would praise her dedication and devotion to teaching.

Wanda attended Second Baptist Church where she was a long-standing member of the women’s Sunday school class. Through this group, she would meet many dear friends who formed lifelong bonds and raised their families together. She later taught this same Sunday school class and spent significant time preparing lessons which were meaningful to her. Wanda also actively participated in Bible Study Fellowship for many years which also brought her lifelong friendships. After retirement , she also enjoyed volunteering at Brinkley Heights Urban Academy.

The family would like to express their thanks to all who helped with her care, with extreme gratitude to the caregivers from No Cross-No Crown Homecare who lovingly cared for Wanda for the last six months as well as Methodist Hospice in her final days.

She is survived by her sister Betty Sue Brown of Memphis and two sons Steve Martin (Leanne) of Nashville , TN and Jeff Martin (Shannon) of Memphis, TN. She also leaves 6 grandchildren : Sam (Sarah) Martin, Liza (Andrew) Freeland, Wiley Martin, Andrew Martin, Wyatt Martin and Janie Martin; and one great-grandson, Reed Martin.

Visitation will be held at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN., at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 5, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow immediately at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Wanda’s memory to Brinkley Heights Urban Academy or Memphis Union Mission.