Marian Ward Atkinson Wright

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Mother

Marian Ward Atkinson Wright May 3, 1928- Feb. 6, 2026

It is with full hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marian Ward Atkinson Wright. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a cherished life filled with love, kindness, and devotion. Her legacy will be remembered as a beloved mother with her gentle spirit and unwavering support as the foundation of our family, and her memory will remain forever in our hearts.

Our mother’s journey in life includes her birth and childhood in a loving home in McDonough, Georgia, where she learned the values of compassion, Christian faith, and service to others. She was a “Georgia peach” as we liked to say- living in various parts of the state of Georgia- including Baxley, Cartersville, Macon, and Athens. Throughout her life, she embodied grace, resilience, and selflessness, always putting others before herself. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and confidant. She was the oldest of three children of Dr. and Mrs. Guy N. Atkinson, a Baptist pastor and college President. She survived her parents- Dr. Guy N. Atkinson and Ruby Mae Ward Atkinson, siblings- sister Carol (Wes Dirl), and brother Newton, son, David E. Wright, and husband- Dr. R. E. (Gene) Wright. She is survived by three children- Susan Wright Pope (Jim) Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Steve G. Wright (Cindy) Clemson, S.C., and Melanie W. Piekutowski (Matt) Clemson, S.C. and two grandsons- John Wright Coleman of Charleston and Grant A. Wright of Clemson as well as nieces and nephews.

She grew up in Georgia moving with the family when her father served different Baptist churches as Minister including Baxley and Cartersville, as well as Norman Park when her father became President of the small-town Baptist College. She attended Mercer University where she was the Salutatorian of her class and a member of Chi Omega, the Baptist Student Union, as well as the recipient of many scholastic awards. During the summers of her college years, she worked at Ridge Crest Christian Conference Center in Black Mtn., N.C., then upon college graduation, worked as Church Secretary at the First Baptist Church of Athens, Ga., where she met and married Eugene Wright while he was attending UGA for Veterinary School. Upon his graduation, they moved to Greer, S.C. and she worked as the Church Secretary at Taylors First Baptist Church while Gene worked alongside her cousin, Dr. Ayers in his Veterinary practice for a couple of years and upon his retirement, they opened their own Veterinary practice in Greer on Hwy. 14, where Gene practiced small and large animal and she assisted him in the business. They were members of Greer First Baptist Church and joined a team to develop Northwood Baptist Church where they both taught and served in leadership roles. They trained to become Missionaries to Africa but with a growing family, changed to serve home missions. In 1975, the family moved to Clemson for Gene’s new position as State Extension Veterinarian where she worked at Clemson University in the Publications Dept. for all Extension publications. It was a perfect match for this English major.

They were a team and served the local community and beyond including the following organizations- Pendleton First Baptist Church, Anderson County Literacy, Meals on Wheels- Anderson and Pickens Counties, Habitat for Humanity, SCAMI, NAMI, AVMA, SCVMA (as officers), as well as many others. In addition, she enjoyed sewing and needlework and making quilts and gardening.

As a devoted mother and role model, she nurtured her four children with endless patience and unconditional love. She celebrated successes, comforted in times of need, and taught the importance of integrity, kindness, and Christian faith. Her wisdom and guidance shaped who we are today, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Our mother found joy in the simple things—studying scripture, gardening in the yard, reading her favorite books, cooking, sewing and needlework, playing table games and dominoes with friends, serving others in the Church and community and spending time with her family- always with passion and kindness. She made others feel heard and valued. Her generosity reached beyond our family, as she was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and others in the community and beyond.

Although she is no longer with us, her legacy lives in the lives she touched and the love she shared. We will remember her kind, quiet nature of listening, and her words of encouragement. She leaves behind cherished memories and a family who will honor her by living each day with the same grace and compassion she taught us through example.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating her life and sharing memories as we remember and honor her life. Details of the memorial service to be held at the Church Prayer Garden in the Spring will be provided in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity meaningful to her, as a way to continue her legacy of giving. These include the Clemson University Harvey Peeler School of Veterinary Medicine, Anderson County Literacy, Meals on Wheels, and Rainey Hospice House in Anderson- Hospice of the Upstate. A special note of gratitude to Clemson Downs, her sitters, Prisma Health staff, and Hospice staff.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Please visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory, Central-Clemson Commons.