Mrs. Dorothy Brammer, who died Saturday in a local nursing home, was a fine Christian lady who was Hamilton County’s longest-serving register in history. But she also found time for many other constructive activities.
Mrs. Brammer was widowed as a young mother with three children under 10 when her prominent attorney husband and civic leader Shelby Brammer died at an early age.
She ran for the office of county register in 1954 — and was elected to eight four-year terms, in which she performed with distinction.
It is the practice of the register’s office to finance itself with legally prescribed fees for its services — with any excess money to be turned over to the county general fund, thus easing the local tax burden. Mrs. Brammer operated under budget 31 years, enabling her to send $4 million to the county’s general fund.
A dedicated patriot, Mrs. Brammer also was very active as a leader in Chattanooga’s fine annual Armed Forces Week programs from 1955 through 1986. While many civilian chairmen of the observations were in the spotlight, Mrs. Brammer quietly and efficiently performed extensive, detailed duties as a volunteer. She helped manage the complex arrangements each year in bringing outstanding military and political figures to speak at the annual Armed Forces Day luncheons. She helped organize the many military and civilian elements of the Armed Forces Day parades, that won national honors.
She was a volunteer member of many community boards and civic organizations. She was recognized with the Sertoma Freedom Award, and was a Sweetheart of Sigma Chi fraternity, among many other recognitions for her varied service.
Mrs. Brammer was a devoted Christian, and served in Brained Baptist, Westminster Presbyterian and Asbury United Methodist churches.
She also found much time to serve as a Red Cross volunteer at Parkridge Hospital and was active in Freedoms Foundation.
Mrs. Brammer made many constructive contributions to the Chattanooga community, which she loved and in which she served admirably and honorably in many ways.