Obituaries

Ruth Lehman

Ruth Mariah Lehman, 94, of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. She was born May 13, 1919 in Athens, Tenn., where she lived until six years of age, moving to Chattanooga with her parents, who preceded her in death, William M. Riddle (father) and Bertha Shoffitt (mother). She attended and graduated from Chattanooga High school receiving an invitation to sing with the Chattanooga Civic Chorus under the direction of J. Oscar Miller. Prior to her membership at Brainerd Hills Baptist Church, she was a long time member of Woodland Park Baptist Church. Dr. J. Harold Smith, Pastor had a radio program that Ruth sang for with her beautiful voice. She worked for J.C. Penney Co., Inc. for 43 years at which time she promoted to Management after receiving a degree for Management and Merchandizing. She was married to the late James Edgar Lehman for 61 happy years, making her home in Chattanooga. Mrs. Lehman was an avid member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Epsilion Sigma Alpha International. Spending 60 years working on Philanthropic projects, raising money for the under-privileged, donating many hours to helping others, when she was doing something for someone else, she was happy. The J.C. Penney Co., Inc. recognizes her Philanthropic work with and award which she so graciously deserved. After many years working downtown at J. C. Penney's she transferred to the Eastgate store as Sr. Merchandise Manager of Women's Fashions where she retired. Survivors are her 2 sister - in - laws, Emma and Betty Lehman; 3 nieces, Michelle (Mark) Edwards, Darlene (John) Adams, Nancy Johnson; and 1 nephew Bobby (Lori) Riddle. Funeral services will be today, Jan. 27, 2014 at 3 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road. Dr. C. Richard Mason and Dr. John Barber and Rev. Mike Loftin officiating. Burial will be at National Cemetery on Tuesday. Active pallbearers will be, Mike and Chris Lehman, Ken Vaughn, Bobby Brooks, Bobby McKay and Jim Moates. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha International. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials made are made to the Brainerd Hills Baptist Church at 6611 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN. 37421 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Attention: Tribute Department 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.

Published January 27, 2014

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