Martha Franell Patty Marler
Martha Franell Patty Marler, 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven in the early moments of February 13, 2024. She joined her beloved husband, Ray, her parents, and a host of other relatives.
Martha was born in Chattanooga, to W.J. Patty and Jennie Elizabeth Patty. She attended Sunnyside and Missionary Ridge Elementary schools, Dickinson Junior High School, and City High School. She received a degree from Tennessee Temple College.
She and Charles Ray Marler, her high school sweetheart, were married in 1948. One of the highlights of their honeymoon, Martha recorded in her bridal book, was that Ray preached a revival for a small country church and saw several people saved. After Ray finished his degree at Union University and after pastoring a small church, the couple sailed to Nigeria as missionaries with the Sudan Interior Mission. While there, Martha served as guest house hostess, helper in the hospital pharmacy, helper in the maternity center nursery and in the orphanage, and helper in any other capacities needed. Her love for seeing people introduced to Christ and her love for cooking and entertaining were well known. Their first child sailed to Nigeria with them, and their two other children were born in Nigeria.
Upon returning to Chattanooga, Martha quickly became active in the Highland Park Baptist Church, World Wide Faith Missions, and in active participation wherever she was needed. She gladly worked in various ministries, helping Ray in his many duties including his beloved Men’s Bible Class and his position as Business Manager of Tennessee Temple Schools. For many years she also worked part time at Belvoir Pharmacy. She volunteered with HaCoBa Food Pantry, an outreach of Hamilton County Baptist Association, and volunteered with Ray as he conducted Sunday services at the East Ridge Retirement Center.
They were members of Highland Park Baptist Church, Central Baptist Woodmore, and most recently Ridgedale Baptist Church.
Martha was preceded in death by Ray, her parents and grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her daughter, Patty Ray Hawkins (David), son, Rick Marler (Joy), daughter, Jennell Marler; grandchildren, Eric Hawkins (Holly), Jenny Hawkins, Kate Duggan, and Aimee Floyd (Seth); great-grandchildren, Graeme Duggan and Gavin Ozborn.
Gramoo, as she was fondly known to the family, was loving, caring, and possessed a definite sense of humor. She never stopped and was determined she could do almost anything. Her family lovingly called her their Energizer Bunny.
Her family would like to thank her two faithful caregivers, Carolyn Cox and Marina Jackson. Thanks also goes to Home Comforts and to Hearth Hospice for their diligent and loving care of Martha.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the chapel with Dr. Bill Owens and Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Martha can be made to a charity of your choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.