Mary Nixon Wannamaker

Mary Ruth Nixon Wannamaker, age 94, died December 29, 2023.  Memorial services will be held at 4:00 on January 7^th in the Chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home, 2480 Macland Road, with Joel Lanier, Spiritual Care Director for Sterling Estates Senior Living Community officiating. A private burial will be held the next day at Melwood Cemetery, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Mary carried a lifelong appreciation for the many children she taught in her more than 31 years of teaching at Clarkdale, Chatsworth, Clay and Skyview Elementaries, Fairburn, Dallas, and Compton Elementary in Powder Springs where she was once named “Teacher of the Year.” Mary grew up on her family farm in Opelika, Alabama where she developed a love of caring for plants and animals.  After high school, she studied at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (later known as Auburn University), tending to her duties milking the cows and feeding the chickens before heading to her classes. She earned a degree in Home Economics then went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Early Childhood Education. Mary was committed to “seeing the good” in every student and stressed the need to work with each individually as they learned math facts and gained reading skills.  She believed children want clear guidance and caring in moving forward through their growing years and that all can achieve. A dedicated gardener, she had a “green thumb” and often brought neglected plants back to health and beauty. She sewed clothes for her daughters, crocheted blankets and painted beautiful scenes of birds, flowers, and landscapes. She supported Reverend Wannamaker in his service in the United Methodist Church and shared his love for all people.  She studied the scriptures throughout her years and when asked for a favorite passage cited Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” She met George Wannamaker when she was working with children at Sheltering Arms Children’s Services in Atlanta and they married in 1952.  They enjoyed serving together over 49 years in six churches.  After retirement she and George presented services at assisted care centers and she continued to teach classes in The International Bible Lessons series.  They could often be seen making new friends in their extended walks at Lost Mountain Park near their home.  One of her greatest pleasures was singing hymns in a joyful voice at the services in her retirement center.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband George.  She has four children: Dawn, Joy, Laura Gay (who passed in infancy), and Noell.  She has six beloved grandchildren: Emory McTyre, Zachary McTyre—who predeceased her, Dara Satterfield, Whitfield Wannamaker, Arin Satterfield, and Moore Wannamaker. She has seven great-grandchildren: Lily, Brynn, Wesley, Emmy and Claire McTyre and Jackson and Maxwell Wannamaker. She has sons-in-law Roger Satterfield and Rick McTyre, and daughter-in-law Lisa Webb Wannamaker, who predeceased her.  Mary’s parents were Earnest Clyde Nixon and Marion Jamerson.  Her brothers were Thomas Nixon and Marion (Buddy) Nixon, both of Opelika and having predeceased her. She has eight nieces and nephews in the Nixon family, one of whom has predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 on Sunday January 7^th at West Cobb Funeral Home.