Martha Jean Atkins Carter, 85, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

She was born in Union County, Maynardville, TN on January 3, 1939.

Preceded in death by her parents, Horace Edward Atkins and Margaret Hamley Atkins; brothers Richard Atkins, Glenn Atkins, and John Atkins; parents-in-law, Frank Carter and Myrtle Sharp Carter, brothers-in-law, Marshall Carter, Otis Carter, Roy Carter and sisters-in-law, Betty Carter Monroe, Wilma Carter Reeves, Jan Carter Meyers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Carlos Lynn Carter; her son Harold W. Carter (Tracy) and her daughter Jeana L. Kirby (Terry); brother, Roger Atkins; her precious grandchildren, Leah Carter Smith (Brendan), Hannah Kirby, Savannah Kirby Spurling (Shane), Sydney Carter and step-grandson David McClain; and treasured great-grandchildren Sammy Spurling and Ellie Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend and caregiver Frances Williams.

Martha Jean was a 1956 graduate of Horace Maynard High School in Maynardville, TN and a 1959 graduate of Knoxville Business College. She was employed over the years at Hickory Star Resort, St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital as secretary to the credit manager, Union Hardware Center and Carter’s Jewelry (owner), Substitute teacher at Halls High School and North Knox Vocational Center for Knox County Schools. She enjoyed volunteering at the Union County Heritage Museum and Library and was a charter member and served as president and treasurer of the Union County Historical Society for many years. She belonged to the Bonnie Kate chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren making memories visiting local places like Cades Cove, letting them tube in the Little Pigeon River, teaching them to drive, exploring nature, picking berries and canning, and mapping cemeteries.

Friends and family will gather at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 5-7pm. A funeral service will follow with Dr. Terry Kirby officiating. A graveside service will commence at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Lynnhurst Cemetery.

Donations in Martha's memory may be made to the Union County Historical Society.

Pallbearers – Shane Spurling, Brendan Smith, Jim Atkins, Travis Atkins, Danny Atkins, Rafe Warren, Cael Warren, and David Wise.
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