Mary Edna Atchison (March 31, 1943-April 18, 2019) grew up in and lived most of her adult life in Satsuma, Alabama. After graduating from Satsuma High School, she attended Clarke College and received a degree from William Carey College. Mary's teaching career began at Davidson High, but she spent 31 years at Satsuma High. During that time, her students received not only an excellent academic education but also invaluable enlightenment through Tri-Hi-Y trips (abroad and in the US) and through numerous dramatic productions, Miss Satsuma Pageants, and "senior projects."
After retirement in 1997, Mary continued to serve the community, notably through numerous S.C.D.O. projects, Satsuma Public Library Foundation, Prime Time Library Club, and through educational organizations Alpha Gamma, Alpha Kappa, and Theta State. She was a chairman of Mobile County Tricentennial Committee, was named Satsuma's Citizen of the Year in 2011, produced several community theater presentations, and was a founding member of Satsuma Women's Club. For the past three years, she spearheaded SWC's planning and fundraising for building a replica of Old Union Chapel in the Steele Creek complex. Thucydides' words describe Mary's legacy: "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven in the lives of others."
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruby Cave Atchison, siblings Thomas Atchison, Billy Atchison, and Jacque Jasik. She is survived by nephews and nieces, Michele Chambers of Texas, Russell Atchison of Satsuma, Weldon Jasik (Heather) of Texas, Andrea Lord (Gene) of Saraland, and Rachel Jasik of Texas. Great-nephews and great-nieces, Michael Williamson, Joseph Chambers, Caleb Jasik, Noah Jasik, Adrienne Williamson, Hannah Chambers, Joanna Chambers, Margaret Rose Jasik, and Natalie Jasik. A very special sister-in-law Evelyn Atchison and great-great niece Sophia Williamson and her fur babies Desi, Lucille, and Maybellene, other relatives, a multitude of friends, and thousands of former students.
A graveside service for Mary will occur Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Satsuma Cemetery followed by interment.
In lieu of flowers, Mary would request donations to Union Chapel Project, Luvenia Spotswood, 150 Bayou Avenue E., Satsuma, AL 36572.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RadneyFuneralHome-Saraland.com for the Atchison family.
