Martha Maer Lessig

Martha Maer Lessig, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She is survived by her children, Paige L. Arnup (Brendon) and Brian A. Lessig (Andrea); her grandchildren, River Lessig and Riley Lessig; her sister-in-law, Ann Lessig; her niece, Lenore Veresh (Mike); her nephew, Joe Lessig; her great-nieces and great-nephew, Laura Lind (Charles), Andrea Veresh, and Zach Lessig (Kylene); as well as extended family members and dear friends who loved her deeply. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Col. George C. Lessig, and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Wynn Maer. Martha was a dearly loved mother, grandmother, and friend.

As a small child, her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Wynn Maer, moved to Temuco, Chile, where they served as Southern Baptist missionaries for more than 30 years. Martha learned Spanish and studied piano from a very young age. She cherished her Spanish-speaking friends and never missed an opportunity to speak the language in order to retain her fluency. Martha attended elementary and high school at Temuco Baptist School before moving to the United States in 1950. She attended the all-women's Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, graduating in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in Organ and a minor in Spanish.

Following her college graduation, Martha chose a career in social work and earned a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and began her career in adoption services with the Tennessee Department of Human Services. She later focused her work in medical and clinical social work, eventually entering private practice. Martha worked for many years in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later at the Cleveland Psychiatric Center, retiring in 2019.

Martha met her husband, George, on a blind date in 1957, and they married the following year. They shared many interests, including travel throughout the United States and abroad, as well as a deep love of antiques and the joy of searching for rare treasures together. Summers were often spent making cherished family memories at their cabin on Parksville Lake.

Martha and George were members of Cleveland Community Concerts and the Cleveland Music Club and were faithful members of First Baptist Church Cleveland. Martha served as the church organist for an astonishing 58 years. She loved classical music, accompanying musicians, improvising on popular songs, and performing hymns and original compositions. Martha also delighted in entertaining and hosted many gatherings, including a legendary New Year's Eve party for friends and family for 35 consecutive years.

After retiring, Martha and George moved to Garden Plaza, where they were active community members until George's passing in August 2023. Following his death, Martha moved to Legacy Village, where she again became an active part of the community and could often be heard playing the piano.

Martha will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She lived a full and meaningful life, guided by her strong faith and her belief in God at the center of all things.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church on Ocoee Street in Cleveland, TN. A service celebrating her life will conclude the visitation time at 4:00 PM on that Saturday with the Reverend Tom Wickes and the Reverend Jim Gibson officiating.

Martha will be laid to rest on Monday, May 4, 2026, in the Chattanooga National Cemetery next to her beloved husband George in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Cleveland Music Club in Martha's memory. Those can be sent to Cleveland Music Club c/o Terry Barger, Treasurer PO Box 175, Georgetown, TN, 37336-0175.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Martha and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.