Martha Chapman Atkerson

Columbia - With great sadness we announce the passing of, Martha Chapman Atkerson, 94, who went to her heavenly home on December 12, 2016. Celebration of life services will be 2:00PM Thursday, December 15, 2016 at St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia,SC. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Born in Columbia, on January 25, 1922, she was the daughter of Ladson Boone Chapman and Pauline LeGrand Chapman. A graduate of Columbia High School, she and her husband, Sam owned and operated Lexington Market and later owned the Atkerson’s Retail Meats in Silvers, Columbia and Charleston. Martha was a devoted wife and mother, with a faith in God that never wavered. Mrs. Atkerson was a member of St. Andrews Baptist Church where she enjoyed working in the church nursery, helping chaperone youth retreats and hosting youth socials. She was also a member of the Columbia Executive Club. She enjoyed water skiing, boating, bowling and traveling. In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Samuel Atkerson and a sister, Juanita Chapman Downs. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Juanita Atkerson Wright (Ben) and Martha Jo Atkerson Askins (Pete), grandsons, Luke Askins (Sarah), Philip Askins (fiancé, Alison Gibbons),Colby Wright (Mandy), great grandsons, William Askins, Mac Askins, and Xander Wright. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Palmetto Health Parkridge, ICU and 4th Floor, Dr. Timothy Idiaghe, Palmetto Health Hospice, Palmetto Health Private Services and her in home care givers. Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Baptist Church Financial Freedom Fund, or to Welvista, Inc., 121 Greystone Blvd, Columbia, SC 29210. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the Atkerson family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.