Martha Bell Miller

Martha Bell Miller, 91, a lifelong resident of Hamilton County, passed away peacefully with family members holding her hand on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, in a local health care facility.
She was born on Lookout Mountain, January 20, 1925. She was widely known and loved as an elementary school teacher in Hamilton County and as Mother Goose and Mrs. Claus at Rock City Gardens. Her personality was legendary and she was an enthusiastic promoter of Chattanooga and the State of Tennessee. She left a positive imprint on the lives of thousands of children and adults.
She attended Lookout Mountain Elementary and Dickinson Junior High and graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1942. She attended college at Tennessee Wesleyan College and the University of Chattanooga, earning a B.A. in 1949 and a Master’s Degree in 1958. She retired from the Hamilton County school system in 1981 after 35 years of teaching. It was her passion to teach children to read and she encouraged lifelong learning. She taught hundreds of children to swim as an instructor with the YMCA and at Camp Ocoee. As Rock City’s Mother Goose from 1983 until 2005 she entertained children and promoted education and strong values. She developed the “Ten Cool Colorful Cats of Character” as a teaching tool. She traveled extensively and performed in numerous elementary schools, visiting many states. She never met a stranger and was known for inspiring everyone to be the very best they could be and for her wonderful Goosey Hugs that were so freely offered.
She was recognised throughout her life for her skill as an entertainer and story teller and was named State of Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill January 20, 2000. In 2008 Rock City honored her by establishing a scholarship given annually in her name. Even after her health began to decline, she was able to find ways to brighten the day for others and in 2014 she was selected for national recognition as an exceptional nursing home resident.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Judge Leonidas D. (L.D.) Miller and Edith McAllester Adkins Miller; infant son, Theodore E.“Teddy” Hatchett, Jr.; two sisters, Sylvia Miller Johnson Graham and Portia Miller Wrenn; and two brothers, L.D. Miller, Jr. and Joe P. Adkins.
Survivors include her sister Rinehart Miller Lackey of Cleveland, Tennessee and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long term caregiver and loving companion, Gregory Alan Voss.
At her request, services will be private.
Memorials can be made to any charity that benefits children.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Martha Bell and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Miller family with her arrangements.