Mary Anne Atherton

Mary Anne Howell Atherton of Emporia, died on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor in Emporia.  She was 89.

Anne was born on March 29, 1934, in Henderson County, Tennessee, the daughter of Dewey Edison and Verdie Reed Howell.  She married John (Jack) Griffith Atherton on August 26, 1960, in Lexington, Tennessee.

Surviving family members include David (Anne) Atherton of Salina, Kansas, Stephen (Kelly) Atherton of Olpe; daughters, Carolyn Atherton of Emporia, and Rebecca Atherton of Sequim, Washington; grandchildren, Brynne Atherton, Olivia Atherton, John “Jack” Atherton, Thomas Atherton, and Michael Atherton.

She is preceded in death by her husband and brother Dewey Edison Howell, Jr.

Anne received her B.A. Degree from Lambuth College, Jackson, Tennessee, her B.M. Degree from Union University, Jackson, Tennessee, and her M.M. Degree from the University of Indiana. She was a music teacher at the College of Emporia and later Emporia State University.  She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Emporia where she played the organ for many years.

Anne was a great lover of the outdoors be it camping, gardening, going to the farms, or fishing. She was always up for an adventure.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful people at Hand in Hand Hospice and Presbyterian Manor for the exceptional and loving care they provided to Anne during the last year.

Cremation is planned with the Memorial services at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at the First Congregational Church, Emporia.  The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time. A private burial will be at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia.  Memorial contributions to the Emporia Public Library or Hand in Hand Hospice can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.