Elizabeth Ann Martin

Elizabeth “Ann” Martin, 79, died peacefully Thursday, June 25, 2020 in Sugar Land, Texas after bravely taking-on Ovarian Cancer. Ann was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and raised by her parents Edie and Bennie Johnston. Ann is survived by her son, Wayne, daughter, Lisa, 6 grandchildren and was mother to 2 of her grandchildren, Aundrea and Ashley. Ann leaves behind: grandchildren, Max and Mandy, also 3 great-grandchildren: Kyla, Alyssa, and Van, her sister, Connie and brother Duke. When asked, “What gives you joy?” Ann would say, “children”. Those who loved Ann loved a woman who was unconventional, larger-than-life, self-made, ambitious, fun-loving and feisty. Ann had the heart of an entrepreneur and started working at 12 years-old, baby sitting and selling Christmas cards. She would go on to jobs in retail, advertising, and accounting. Her future profession as a nightclub owner got its start in 1961, when Ann took a job as a cocktail waitress and entertainer at The Roaring Twenties nightclub in Seattle, Washington. Her passion grew, and she eventually owned her own businesses. Opening successful nightclubs in Seattle, Memphis, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Kentucky- a rare accomplishment for a woman during those early years. It was a hard job that required a strong sense of how to balance the demands on many different levels. She built her businesses while raising a family. Loyally attending her kids’ and grandkids events as they went to horse shows, rode motorcycles, had dance recitals and theatre performances. Ann loved traveling for family vacations and holidays ...especially Christmas. She used to decorate her home for Christmas in a huge way. It was not uncommon for hundreds of people to drive by her Soddy Daisy home to see the lights and donate dollars that Ann would give to local charities. Ann would often credit God for the good in her life. One of her favorite passages was “The Serenity Prayer”. “God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.” The family will receive friends from 3-4pm Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Lane Funeral Home in Chattanooga. A celebration of life will follow at 4pm, in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home. Funeral services may live-streamed by following https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=159441876567106
Please follow social distancing guidelines inside the venue. Masks required. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. www.lanefh.com 423-877-3524.

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