Martha "Marti" Wilson Dorsey, a beloved educator, Navy veteran, and dedicated community volunteer, passed away on June 7, 2026. Born on July 12, 1942, Marti’s life was marked by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and those around her.

Marti's journey began in Atlanta, Georgia, where she laid the foundation for a lifetime of achievement. She attended Spring Street Elementary School, Grady High School, and Northside High School, graduating in 1960. Her passion for learning led her to The Woman’s College of Georgia in Milledgeville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Biology in 1964. During the summer of 1963, she was selected for an eight-week training program with the United States Navy at Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon graduating college, Marti was commissioned by the US Navy and completed her final training there, setting forth on a path of service. Her assignments included the US Naval Air Technical Training Command in Brunswick, Georgia, and later the Charleston Naval Station, where she primarily worked in education. Marti’s dedication and service were recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, a testament to her devotion to her country.

Following her honorable military service, Marti channeled her talents into the Girl Scouts of America, serving professionally in Albany and Atlanta, Georgia. She nurtured the spirit of volunteerism and leadership by training volunteers, orchestrating day and overnight camps, engaging in public relations through writing and television, and sharing her eloquence in public speaking.

Marti’s heart was especially devoted to education. She served as a teacher for homebound students before inspiring children in the 4th and 5th grades in Adairsville, Georgia. Her exemplary work earned her the distinguished title of “Teacher of the Year” in 1987. Marti pursued further studies, obtaining a Master of Education with specialization in middle grade education and school counseling, complemented by a specialist degree in school counseling. She culminated her career as a compassionate counselor in Adairsville and Cedartown, Georgia, retiring after over 28 years of nurturing young minds and supporting families.

Her generosity extended well beyond the classroom. A gifted orator, Marti was a member of Toastmistress and was honored as Albany’s Speaker of the Year in 1970. She embraced spiritual service as a Lay Speaker for the Northwest Georgia United Methodist Conference in Rome and co-facilitated counseling groups at West Rome Baptist Church. Her volunteerism included participation in the Northwest Georgia Walk to Emmaus and, in her later years, providing heartfelt support through counseling for Atrium Floyd’s Heyman Hospice Group.

Marti was the cherished daughter of the late Dr. Richard B. Wilson and Elizabeth L. Maness Wilson of Atlanta, and granddaughter of the late William P. and Martha Manley Wilson of Hampton, Georgia, as well as the late Reverend Arthur and Maggie-Lee Johnson Maness of College Park, Georgia. She lovingly remembered her late relatives: Lynn Wilson Stanton of San Antonio, Texas; Margaret Maness Mixon and Kathryn Maness Nelson of Rome, Georgia; and cousin Frances Stanton Russ of San Antonio. Marti was the devoted wife of the late Dr. William R. Dorsey, Jr., and the loving stepmother of the late Lee Gordon Shields.

Left to carry forward Marti’s legacy of love and kindness is her brother Fred Wilson and his wife Kathy of Saint Helena Island, South Carolina; nephews Adam Wilson and his wife Caitlyn Worrell (and their daughters Margot and Ada Grace) of Atlanta, Georgia; Evan Wilson and his wife Arin Keyser (and their children Bodhi Keyser and Vaughn Keyser) of Alexandria, Virginia. Marti also delighted in her role as mother to Beth Dorsey Robbins and son-in-law Oliver Lee Robbins, Jr., and treasured her grandchildren Oliver Lee Robbins, III “Tre” (and Nova Jade), Allyson Leigh Robbins, Alivia Michele Robbins, and William Preston Robbins of Rome, Georgia, who brought her immense joy and countless happy moments.

Her circle of enduring friendship included Steve and Eileen Walker of Rome, Georgia, and Pastor Steve and Genie Coyle of Rome, who provided companionship and comfort.

Martha “Marti” Wilson Dorsey’s life was one of profound impact—a soul whose dedication to education, community, and family left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her kindness, wisdom, and gentle guidance will be remembered and cherished by many. As we honor her memory, we reflect on a life well-lived and lovingly shared. She will be deeply missed but always remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

Care of Marti has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.