Martha Brown Chase's Obituary
Martha Brown Chase passed away peacefully on January 25, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Memphis, Tennessee surrounded by her family. Martha was born on January 21, 1937 in Tupelo, Mississippi, and grew up on the family farm in Hughes, Arkansas. She graduated from Hughes High School in 1954 and attended Memphis State University, and the University of Mississippi where she was a Rebelette. She was a member of Phi Mu Sorority and represented Hughes, Arkansas in the 1956 Miss Arkansas pageant. Martha married and moved to Dearborn Heights, Michigan where her four children were born. While in Michigan, Martha graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She later moved back to Tennessee and resided in Memphis and Spring Hill. Martha worked at Shatterproof Glass Corporation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Longview Recreation Center.
Martha was trustworthy, loving, and patient. She was a wonderful listener who provided wisdom and guidance to family and friends. She had an innate spirit of adventure and exploration. Be it a new restaurant, a road trip without a map, a great bargain or just stopping to taste the honeysuckle; to Martha, life was a treasure and each day was a new hunt. Although Martha loved the destination, the journey is where she found the most joy! Her laugh was contagious and her smile infectious. Her positivity and genuine kindness radiated in both her words and actions. The greatest blessings Martha gave to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her selflessness and unconditional love. She was a dedicated mother, amazing Grandma and gentle Gigi. She made everyone feel special and truly important. Martha made life magical. Her spirit and love will continue through treasured memories and new adventures.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents Dillard Walter Brown and Charlie Mae Brown, her brother, Charles Dillard Brown, her sister, Joanne Widdop, and her daughter, Jane Denise Chase. She is survived by her sister, Betty Jennings, her children, Cynthia Chase, William Chase, and Jeffrey Chase. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shelly Butterick-Ward (Kendall), Daniel Butterick, William Butterick, Nicole West (Jared), James Craven, Sarah Nichols (Michael), Chase Craven, Katherine Inman, John Inman, Chris Chase (Kim), Alex Chase, Anna Chase, and her 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at Saint Philip Episcopal Church, 9380 Davies Plantation Rd., Memphis, TN on Saturday, February 26th at 12:00 noon. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00 to 12:00 immediately preceding the funeral. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Philip Episcopal Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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