Sally E. Atkins

Sally was born on May 23, 1922, in Sherwood, TN, to the late William and Etta Mae Champion. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Orman Reed Atkins (Master Sergeant US Army).

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Pond; her grandsons, Reed “Skip” Pond (Jennifer) and Joshua Pond; two great granddaughters Teresa “Reese” Pond and Elizabeth “Ellie” Pond; and her son-in-law, Jerry (Carol) Pond.

Sally (Meme) is the last of 11 siblings in her generation. Since she could walk, she’s been a worker, a sweet yet tough caretaker and leader of her family. For the better part of her 99 years, she worked (in her words from “can to can’t”) to care for her mom, dad, siblings, daughter, grandkids, great grandkids, neighbors and friends. She traveled and cared for her husband during his military service to several stations in the US and two tours of duty in post WWII Germany (1946 and 1952). She and her sisters operated a restaurant and motel from the 1950s to the 1970s where they cared for many people. She was a gardener at her home and in a sense a gardener of people. She touched many people both directly and her impact was immeasurable through the people that she cared for and served.

The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to her caregiver, Beverly Payne, and Hospice of Chattanooga caregivers Autumn Hubbs and Melisa Lambright.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Chattanooga Memorial Park in Red Bank, TN, with Rev. Travis Hutchinson officiating.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com for the Atkins family.

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Chattanooga www.hospiceofchattanooga.org