Martha Gene Williams

Martha Gene Williams , 96 of Chattanooga, TN passed away peacefully Monday, January 17, 2022, at her residence.  She will be remembered as a loving Aunt, Great Aunt and Great-great Aunt. 

She was member of GraceWorks Church. 

Martha Gene was a pioneer in the field of Community Mental Retardation Services in TN, now known as the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She taught Special Education at East Ridge Junior High School.  She was responsible for Habilitative Services at The Orange Grove Center for many years before becoming Assistant Superintendent of Greene Valley Developmental Center. She was located in Knoxville and had responsibility for the 31 counties of East TN. Ms. Williams was responsible for the development of community programs as well as working statewide in planning of new programs, setting budgeting and quality assurance.  Programs and services were practically nonexistent for most people in East TN.  Through her early leadership thousands of individuals are now being served in East Tennessee. 

Martha Gene had many beautiful long-lasting friendships.  She accepted people for who they were.  She deeply loved her family.  She was the quintessential and elegant host of her gatherings.  She loved talking about memories of family and friends.  She made the world a better place for so many.  Now we are charged with carrying on her acceptance of the people with intellectual disabilities, her kindness and unconditional love to mankind every day.   

She was predeceased by her husband Ron Williams and her sister, Dawn H. Atchley. 

She is survived by nieces Martha Ellen Schoocraft, Pamela Bullard (Alan), and nephew Jim Atchley (Margaret). Great nieces, Heather Dawn Hodge, Meredith Price DeBusk (Ben) and Mary Martha McDaniel (Nathan); Great-great nieces and nephews, Wyatt Hodge, Harper DeBusk, Brooklyn DeBusk, Payne McDaniel and Arthur McDaniel. 

Services will be held at 1:30 pm, Friday, January 21st in the funeral home chapel with Rev. James Kayler officiating. 

You may send condolences to the family and view the service live stream at www.heritagechattanooga.com 

Donations may be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, 6623 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37421 or a charity of your choice. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 21, noon-1:30 at Heritage Funeral Home 7454 E. Brainerd Road.

Click HERE to view the livestream