Martha Sheffield Atkinson, 94, of College Station, Texas, passed from this life to her new home in Heaven on Friday, May 27, 2022.

Martha was born in Augusta, Georgia, on February 14, 1928, to the Rev. James Pickett and Geneva Drake Sheffield. Her childhood was spent in North Augusta, South Carolina, where her father was pastor of the First Baptist Church of North Augusta. She was awarded an A.A. degree from Mars Hill College, North Carolina and studied at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.

On August 21, 1948, Martha and Ernest Edwin Atkinson were married in Pelham, Georgia. The newlyweds immediately moved to Texas to begin a life of mission ministry in Hispanic communities and churches across Texas. They were appointed in 1948 by the Home Mission Board, SBC. Martha served faithfully as a missionary wife by her husband's side, serving in various significant ministry capacities.  For 28 years, Martha and Ed Atkinson served the Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary in San Antonio, Texas, where Martha served as Executive Administrator in the office of the seminary president.

Martha is survived by two daughters: Elena Petty and husband Benny of College Station, Texas; and Becky Davis and husband Ray of Elgin, Texas. Three grandchildren: Jim Davis and wife Emma; Elizabeth Petty Hall and husband Michael; Joshua Davis and wife Lauren. One great-grandchild: Samuel (Sam) Davis. One sister, Mariam Cook Stone of Starsville, Georgia.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and two sisters.

Graveside service will be held for family only.

Submitted by family