Martha Owen Thatcher left her earthly home into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on Wednesday evening, August 21, 2019.
She was surrounded by family and friends.
She was the daughter of the late Grace and Harry Owen. She was also preceded in death by her aunts and multiple cousins.
She was born in Sweetwater and moved to Chattanooga as a teenager. She was a graduate of Girl’s Preparatory School and Sweet Briar College. An employee of TVA for many years, she was a member of First Centenary United Methodist Church and the Morgan Sunday School class.
She majored in music in college, continuing a love of music that began with piano lessons that started as a young child. She returned to Chattanooga after college and became active in musical activities in her church and in the community. She was a member of the Chancel Choir and the Aldersgate Vibrations Handbell Choir at First Centenary and a member of the Chattanooga Opera Chorus for many years.
She had a great interest in traveling; and in addition to the United States, she traveled extensively in Europe and the Holy Land.
She is survived by cousins Greg and Valerie Worth, their children: Lauren Worth and Meghan (Josh) Clingan, and their children, Bryson, Emma Kate and Elijah Clingan.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the Kate Lyle West Chapel at First Centenary United Methodist Church, with Dr. Linda McDaniel officiating. Visitation is at 10 a.m. in the narthex of the church. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. at West View Cemetery in Sweetwater.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry of First Centenary United Methodist Church, PO Box 208, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401; or to a favorite charity.
The family would like to thank all her caregivers over the past several months as well as those who have been her companions and friends over the last several years. They have been loving, kind, gentle, compassionate and just what she needed as she transitioned through the final years of her time here on Earth. Special thanks to Ginnie, Rosemary, Debbie, Tonya and all the others who cared for her during her final weeks but especially to Loretta and Thaydene who were with her and her family when she went to see Jesus in Eternity. Thank you for the songs of worship and the scriptures and just your simple presence that meant more to us than you will ever know. Thank you also to the wonderful care by Hospice of Chattanooga.
Many thanks to all her friends at The Continental Condominiums for being part of her family for all these years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, www.lanefh.com.