Atley M. O'Neil

Ms. Atley Martin O'Neil was born on December 3, 1954, to the late Mrs. Rosemary Lawson Middlebrooks. Later in life, her mother married Daddy George, Mr. Robert G. Middlebrooks, who loved and cherished Atley as one of his own daughters.

Atley was educated in the Bibb County School System and graduated from Central High School in 1973. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Mr. Perry Martin, Jr. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication, raising four beautiful daughters. Her unwavering commitment to her family was evident in everything she did, making her home a place of warmth, comfort, and joy.

Atley’s passion for cooking began at a young age, preparing meals for her siblings who were her first and most gracious critics. Her love for the culinary arts blossomed, leading her to pursue it as a career. She poured her heart into her cooking, creating dishes that brought people together and nurtured their spirits. Atley held multiple positions in the culinary field and eventually retired as the Dietary Manager at Cherry Blossom Rehabilitation Center, where her work was highly regarded and deeply appreciated.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Atley was known for her boundless generosity and the love she shared with her family and friends. She was always there to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or prepare a comforting meal.

Atley was preceded in death by her godmother, who raised her, Ms. Emma Myles; her sister, Winifred Lawson; her grandson, Emon Rockmore; her nephew, Billy Dexter Grier, Jr., and her son-in-law, Shermaine Ontario Hughes Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: Shiqueta (Darrell) Fambro, Tawanda Martin, Sonja Hughes, Taryll (Jasmine) Lambry, and Michael Cornelius; her grandchildren, Marquez, Elijah, Marquincio, Tito, Tierra, Erica, Dyeyo, Vanshun, Brianna, Kelvin, Freddie, and I’yanah; her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Zayden, Mariah, and Aaliyah; her siblings: Billy Lawson, Pamela (Henry) Gallimore, Vanessa, Shendora, Jasper, Kimberly, Annie Lizzy Gibson, and Bessie Barker; and a host of extended family and friends. Atley’s life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and generosity, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

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