Martha Clemmer Gray

Martha Clemmer Gray passed away peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2022. Martha was born July 19th, 1942 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Hugh Clemmer and Myrtle Williams. Martha graduated from Rossville High School as Class Valedictorian in 1960. After high school Martha attended the University of Chattanooga, which now is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga & graduated in 1964 with Honors in all aspects.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her sister, Beatrice Clemmer (Ron) Wade; brother-in-law, Doug (Beth) Gray; sister-in-law, Dona (Jerry) Gray Leland; niece, Martha Rachelle (Chris) Haddock; nephews, Will (Andrea) Leland and Dan (Dori) and several great nieces and nephews.

Her first year in teaching was at GPS-Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Martha always held that year in the highest regard as everyone in the classes wanted to learn as the students realized that they had a very knowledgeable person teacher. After that first year she married Donald R. Gray in August of 1965 and resided in Chattanooga for two years before moving to Wichita, Kansas to further their Educational Degrees at Wichita State University.

Martha not only furthered her degree with excellence at Wichita State, but also was asked to join a Research Lab as an Associate working in the field of Immunology that eventually became Cancer Research oriented. That triggered her interest as a Research Chemist in many areas for the remainder of her life. Martha was a member of the Mensa Society and with that high level of ability, she no doubt was destined to complete the tedious work of a Lab Chemist and Technician.

After leaving Wichita, she and Don moved back to Chattanooga and while there she worked in the Tennessee Department of Health in Ecology and Toxicology analyzing contraband substances. Then they made a move to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida where she served as head of the Pinellas County Sherriff’s Department Drug Lab for the Pinellas County Government. Over the next 30 years or so, she also served with distinction in various Environmental aspects prior to her retirement.

After 10 years in Florida, Martha was a member and was scheduled to attend in Chattanooga, the Southern Association of Forensic Scientist. She learned from colleagues that they wanted her to be President of the Association. While in Chattanooga which was basically her metro hometown, she was elected President of the Association which covered 12 States. She always said, no doubt it was one of the highlights of her life.

Not only was work an enjoyment of Martha’s life, but other social activities brought smiles to her face as well. She joined the Pi Beta Phi Sorority while in college and became very dedicated and active in their goals and aspirations for the rest of her life. Martha not only found time for her Sorority, but constantly would feed her thirst for music by playing the Piano on a regular basis and on occasion hours at time.

Martha found great joy in living her life in the happenings of her nieces and nephews. A phrase of “1-2-3 God Bless” was initiated by the children of Martha’s namesake and became an icon and synonymous with the entire family as we would say farewell to each other after a visit. So that is why you will see the phrase listed on the ribbons at the Mass. Those were the last words spoken to the family to her sister by

Martha. So, Martha our love, as a Memorial that will forever stand with love and joy; “1-2-3 God Bless for now and evermore.”

Martha was a devoted member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo, Florida and an active member in Soroptimist International of Tampa.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo on Friday, April 22nd at 11:30 am. In honoring COVID guidelines only a brief greet and meet will be held in the Gathering Space of the church as we exit her Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in her memory to her beloved St. Jerome Chorale in care of Tom Kurt.