Martha Dooley

Martha McDaris Dooley died peacefully at her residence on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, following a brief illness at the age of 92. She was preceeded in death by her husband of 49 1/2 years, James William "Bill" Dooley, and her parents, Dorothy Fouts and E. W. (Cindy) McDaris. Both Martha and Bill were born and raised in Cleveland, Tenn., and graduated from Bradley High School. Following their move to Chattanooga, they opened Dooley Chemical Company where Martha served as the bookkeeper until their retirement. She was a member of Brainerd Presbyterian Church for over 60 years and loved her volunteer work at Children's Hospital, St. Barnabas Nursing Home and The Ronald McDonald House. Martha and Bill loved traveling to see Army friends and time spent on Chickamauga Lake on their houseboat, which led to their work in helping to establish The Lake Church. She is survived by her only child, Bette (Paul) Edmonson; three granddaughters, Cindy (Garrett) Brandenburg, of Chickamauga, Ga., Katie Jennings, of Ooltewah Tenn., Emily (Kris) Swanson, of Knoxville, Tenn.; and two precious great-grandchildren, Jill Brandenburg, of Chickamauga, and Camden Swanson, of Knoxville. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 10 a.m. today, Dec. 23, with Rev. Ronald Ragon and Rev. Jonathan Schwartz officiating. Due to the nearness to the Christmas Holiday, there will be no visitation. Please spend this time with your families in memory of Martha. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Ronald McDonald House. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.