Martha Irene Kunberger

Her parents, Fredrick and Ellen Kunberger, and two sisters preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother John Kunberger, sister-in-law Bonnie Kunberger, three nieces, and two nephews.

She was a long-time servant of her Lord. Martha started for the mission field in 1956 aboard an ocean liner, which took 16 days to arrive in Africa. Martha was one of those who would make up that first group of Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI), missionaries. After Martha served four years in the Congo, the missionaries had to be evacuated. God closed the door there and opened another door of opportunity on another continent and with a new language to learn. For 18 years she served God faithfully in Nicaragua, Central America, until a government uprising forced all foreigners to leave. Once again, she sought the Lord’s direction and joined a work in Guatemala. Martha served four years before this country also underwent a political uprising, and Martha was among those missionaries evacuated. Nothing would cause Martha to lose her heart for missions and God was not finished with her. In 1985, BIMI asked her to work at BIMI’s Home Office where she assisted with Spanish-speaking ministries and Bible correspondence courses.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baptist International Missions, Inc., or to Lakewood Baptist Church.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019, at Lakewood Baptist Church (6626 Hunter Road, Harrison, TN 37341), followed by the Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Ronnie Gilbert and Dr. J.B. Godfrey officiating.

Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.