Margaret Ruth Stamper

Chattanooga lost one of its most beloved citizens with the passing of Margaret L. Stamper who left us during the early morning hours of Thursday, December 9, 2010. Margaret loved many things, but most of all her family, her home and her civic/social activities.

Margaret was born on a farm in Martel, Tennessee to John and Olivia Lawrence. The family moved to Chattanooga when Margaret was young. She grew up in the Highland Park area surrounded by her three sisters and a multitude of friends. She joined First Baptist Church at a young age, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School for many years, and contributed her time and skills on many committees. She was an active member of the church until recently.

During WWII, Margaret sent monthly V-mail to local soldiers. Then she met her future husband, Walter Hunter Stamper, Jr., when he returned from active service. On their first date, he dubbed her his “Princess” and they had a beautiful marriage for 44 years, filled with entertaining, travel and happiness.

Margaret’s first employment was with her father as his secretary and bookkeeper, followed by Miller Brothers, Cole Manufacturing Co., and Volunteer State Life. She spent the 14 years preceding the birth of her only son, Walter, as head bookkeeper and Deputy Trustee at the Hamilton County Courthouse.

Margaret was an active member of many civic and social organizations. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi business sorority, Missionary Ridge School PTA, Kiwanis Auxiliary, a Cub Scout den mother , and an Erlanger Gray Lady. She spent many hours reading to children in local elementary schools, the Children’s Hospital and Chambliss Home. Margaret was a member and past President of the Kosmos Women’s Club, held positions with the Tennessee Federation of Women’s Clubs, and was a member of the Mountain City Club.

Garden Clubs were a passion; she was an active member and President of the Missionary Ridge Garden Club and the Chattanooga Council of Garden Clubs, worked with Junior Garden Clubs and their flower shows, organized clubs to promote and realize the beautification of Missionary Ridge, and was listed as a speaker on conservation in the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Speakers Directory.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, and her youngest sister Betty Lawrence Olsen. She is survived by her son, Walter H. Stamper, III, his wife Patricia and grandchildren Alexandra and William; her sisters Mary Finley Lytle (Tom) and Johnnie Fredericks (Jack) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Visitation will be held from 3PM - 6PM on Sunday, December 12 at the East Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home and on Monday, December 13 from 10 AM to 11 AM at First Baptist Church McEwen Chapel. Services will be on Monday, December 13 at 11AM at First Baptist Church of the Golden Gateway with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry and Lee Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Tennessee Valley Golden Retriever Rescue of Knoxville or the charity of your choice. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.