Marcie Lawley

Martha Josephine Rodman Lawley, 68, a resident of Dayton, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family. She is the daughter of the late Jack and Mary Rodman. She attended East Ridge High School and received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She completed her masters degree in education at Texas Tech University. For 25 years, she owned Trics Gymnastics in Ohio, where she coached and enriched the lives of many young gymnasts; her own children included. She also was a Level 10 judge and traveled the country evaluating top womens gymnastics competitions. An active member in the United Methodist Churches in Ohio and Tennessee, she was dedicated to women's groups, bible studies and children sermons. She was involved in fundraisers and charities and devoted significant time to mission work in Nicaragua. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was known for her vivacious and joyous presence that gathered many. Her true testament of strength and faith in God inspired others, including those also affected by cancer. She was the model of acceptance who selflessly gave her time and energy for the betterment of others. She enjoyed hosting bible study in her home, bird watching and boating on the Tennessee River. She is survived by her husband, George Bliss Lawley Jr., of Dayton; three children, George Robert (Kate) Lawley, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeffery Rodman Lawley, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Mary Lawley (Craig) McKenzie, of Chattanooga; sisters, Katie Hixon (Gary) Bonecutter, of Columbus, Ohio; Miriam Rodman (Dale) Humphreys, Chattanooga; brother, John Robert Rodman Jr., of Chattanooga; (9) grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Her sister, Carolyn Rodman Schweers and husband, Fred preceded her in death. She became a mother figure to Rod Schweers, Gretchen Schweers (Gil) Gonzales and Elisabeth Schweers. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Dayton, Tenn. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. with the memorial service to follow. A private inurnment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. Memorials may be made to: www.untealthereisacure.com or the First United Methodist Church in Dayton, Tenn. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Lawley guest book at www.ralphbuckner.com.