Martha Jean Zimmer

Martha, who preferred to be called Jean, was born on October 17, 1939, in Union, Mississippi to Robert Ray and Mary Lee Lewis Foster. She attended Mississippi College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Music in Sacred Music - Organ in 1961. She was organist at First Baptist Church, Gulfport MS when she met the love of her life Paul Zimmer. They were married on July 17, 1962, and soon moved to Oklahoma for Paul to attend the University of Oklahoma and to start a family. She and Paul lovingly raised two children, Dorothy and Donald. She supported her children’s sports activities with Sooner Swim Club as a Stats Officer for swim meets hosted by the Club, as well as their musical activities by accompanying them for solos.

Jean enjoyed many activities including ceramics, sewing, crocheting, decorating cakes, and was an avid reader. After they retired in 2000, she and Paul enjoyed traveling the country and visiting family in their travel trailer.

She fulfilled a variety of roles throughout her life including piano teacher, substitute Music Teacher for Norman Public Schools, church organist/secretary; as well as Bookkeeper for Norman Music Center. In addition to working on staff at several churches, Jean served at churches she attended over the years as an accompanist, graded choir teacher, and in the church nurseries. She was a member of First Baptist Church Ringgold, GA at the time of her death.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Paul Zimmer, father, Robert Ray Foster and mother, Mary Lee Lewis Foster. She is survived by her two children, Dorothy and Donald (Teresa), and her sister Lois McMullan of Ridgeland, Mississippi as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Oakview Health and Rehabilitation and Affinis Hospice for their excellent care in her final days.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 12-1 PM EDT at Ringgold First Baptist Church, (7611 Nashville Street, Ringgold, GA 30736). Funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM EDT in the sanctuary with Rev. Eric Kennedy officiating.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM CDT at Union City Cemetery/Memorial Park Cemetery (421 S. Decatur Street, Union, MS 39365). Rev. David Addy will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Ringgold First Baptist Church, 7611 Nashville St, Ringgold, GA 30736.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.

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