Martha O. Fanning

Martha O’Kelley Fanning of Signal Mountain entered her eternal home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2017. She joined those who had proceeded her: husband; Knox Fanning, mother and father, Ida Mae and Everett O’Kelley, brothers, Charles and James L. O’Kelley, Sr., sisters Mary O’Kelley and Harriett O. Jones. She was born in Buford, GA on January 16, 1917.

She is survived by stepson and wife, Dr. Robert and Dr. Etta Fanning, San Antonio, TX, stepdaughter, Wanda G. Fanning, Palm Harbor, FL., brother-in-law, Henry Jones, niece, Brenda Locklear, niece and husband, Sandra and David Woodward, nephew and wife, James L. O’Kelley, Jr. and Jan, niece and husband Connie and Terry Norwood, nephew and wife Steve and Theresa Jones, nephew, David Jones, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, all who loved and respected her greatly.

Mrs. Fanning was a graduate of Chattanooga High School, class of 1934 and Edmondson School of Business. She began her career in credit and accounting with Miller Brothers Company. In 1938 she joined Corley Manufacturing Company as bookkeeper and secretary to the credit manager. Through her 54 years with Corley she held several offices and moved up to Vice President of Finance and Board Director.

An active member of the National Association of Credit and Financial Management, she served as President of the Cherokee Unit of NACM, and as National Chairman of the Credit and Financial Development Division (Credit Women) of NACM.

She was active in Baptist Business Women’s Circles and served as President of the Tennessee Federation of BWC. On retiring from Corley Manufacturing Company at 75 she became involved in Signal Mountain Community activities, serving as President of the Community Guild. She was presented the Signal Mountain Woman of the Year Award in 1999. As an active volunteer, she served as president of Alexian Auxiliary, and also Treasurer for several years.

A member of the St. Elmo Avenue Baptist Church for 67 years she served in many capacities and taught the Bethany Sunday School class for over sixty years. In 2000 she moved her membership to Signal Mountain Baptist Church and was teacher of the Gleaners Sunday School Class through Spring of 2016.

Another avenue of service was as a volunteer in HaCoBa Ministries (Hamilton County Baptist Association) for several years, and as a teacher of conversational English to international students.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 Sunday, April 16 at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Hwy 153 Hixson, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 Monday at Signal Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. Sally Ensley, Rev. Steven Wright, and, Rev. Don Givens conducting service. Interment in Forest Hills Cemetery

Pall Bearers: Nephews; James L. O’Kelley, Jr., David Woodward, Steven Jones, David Jones, Terry Norwood, Trey Locklear

Memorial contributions may be made to Signal Mountain Baptist Church Building Fund.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.