Dorothy Swanson Martin

Dorothy Swanson Martin, 94, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on June 15, 2025.

She was the daughter of the late, Arthur L. and Ross Nell Hammontree Snow.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Leonard F. Swanson Jr., and Glenn A. Martin; daughter, Dorothy C. Swanson; step-son, David Martin; brothers, Arthur, Joe and Marshall Snow and sister, Peggy James.

She was a member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she was the soprano soloist for over 40 years. She retired from Provident Life Insurance Company, where she worked for more than 20 years as an underwriter in Chattanooga.

She was an outstanding opera singer, she was a voice student of Doris Doe formally of the New York Metropolitan Opera and performed with renowned director, Siegfried Landau. For many years, she performed with the Chattanooga Opera Guild and Jay Craven and his orchestra. She was also a back-up artist for the late Chet Atkins in Nashville.

She is survived by three daughters, Peggy Burch of Chattanooga, Frances Swanson of Chattanooga and Joyce Lloyd (Morty) of Apison; three step-children, Leesa Welch (Andy), Jodie Martin (Elizabeth), Julie Smith (Clay); grandchildren, Gregory Ellis (Stephanie), Isaac Conner (Gretchen), Geni Brown (Corey), Christie Duh (Tom), Kirsten Blinco (Steve), Liana Cross (Adam) and Jeb Phillips; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Pastor Morty Lloyd of Chattanooga Church officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel.

Memorial gifts may be made to Chattanooga Church at: www.chattanoogachurch.com/giving

Please share your thoughts and memories online at: www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.