Atha T. McPherson of Columbus, GA, born September 18, 1923, departed this life on March 7, 2016, at Brookside Glen Assisted Living Center in Columbus, GA. Private graveside services will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Anderson, SC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian A. McPherson; her parents, James Mack and Nancy Hickman Thompson; two sisters, Maude Flatt and Polly Owen; and three brothers, Calvin 'Doodle' Thompson, John V. Thompson and William T. Thompson. She was the last surviving child of James and Nancy Thompson. Mrs. McPherson had a lifelong love of books and of learning and retired after 25 years from her position as medical librarian for Anderson Memorial Hospital in Anderson, SC. She and her husband were founding members of Boulevard Baptist Church, Anderson, S.C. Survivors include Judy and Charles Little of Columbus, GA, Atha Jane McPherson of Jacksonville, FL, and JoAnn McPherson of Fayetteville, GA., and nieces and nephews. She will be remembered with love and laughter for her strength, for her independent spirit, and for her devotion to her family. Condolences, in lieu of flowers, can be made to local PAWS chapters or the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.