The Athens Area Retired Teachers Association was formed in 1962, three years after the formation of its parent organization, the Georgia Retired Teachers Association. Founding members were Sarah Bird, Ellie Bradberry, Bonnie Brock, Bennie Torbet, Nell Flanagan, Magdalene Glenn, Nancy LaBoon, Vertna Means, Mary Tillman, Freddie Watson, Flo Williamson, and Mary Woods. Magdalene Glenn served as the first president.
In 1998, the organization changed its name to Athens Area Retired Educators Association to align with the state organization's new name, Georgia Retired Educators Association.