Judith Anne Fields Martin, 90 died peacefully on November 18, 2025 with family members by
her side. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 4, 1934 to parents Elsie Benziger and James
David Fields, Judy was the second of three sisters– Helen Jean (1926), and Elsie Harriett
(1938). She often spoke fondly of childhood memories: spending time with her grandparents
and friends in the North Chattanooga area where she and her family lived; walking across the
Walnut Street bridge to attend Chattanooga High School, enjoying summer camps, and
swimming at Parksville Lake and the Ocoee River.

After high school, Judy earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of
Chattanooga (UC), graduating in 1956. While there, she was an active member of the Chi
Omega sorority and fostered new friendships that would last the rest of her life.
After college, Judy spent her first year teaching elementary school at G. Russell Brown in
Chattanooga before moving with three of her dearest friends to Pensacola, Florida. In
Pensacola, she met the love of her life, Frank Beamon Martin Jr., a US Naval Aviator. Judy and
Frank married on July 26, 1958 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chattanooga. Early in their
marriage, Frank advanced through Naval ranks while Judy pursued her teaching career. The
couple welcomed three children Elizabeth Anne 'Betsy' Martin, Frank Beamon Martin III, and
Amy Caroline Martin, moving between Pensacola, Eau Gallie, and Melbourne, Florida where
they built their home on the beach.

In 1967, Judy and Frank returned to Chattanooga, settling on Signal Mountain, to be near her
parents and help with her ailing father. On Signal Mountain, Judy began teaching at Bachman
Elementary, eventually transitioning to Thrasher Elementary, collecting many stories from more
than thirty years as a dedicated and beloved teacher of her 3rd and 4th graders. She became a
member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church early upon moving to the mountain, and maintained
her dedication and service for over 50 years. They were happily very active and supportive in
the lives of their children and grandchildren, hosting family dinners and creating holiday
traditions. Judy and Frank rarely missed a celebration, sporting or music event, or any occasion
to spend time with their family.

Judy and Frank loved to travel. Whether taking the family to the beach, driving cross country to
visit relatives, or flying to a foreign country, they enjoyed many trips to relax or explore historical
cities and cultures around the world. They loved sailing and sometimes chartered their own
vessel with family and dear friends. After Frank's death in 2011, Judy continued to travel with
her friends and family, committed to service in her church, and participated in a social book club
where they did not read books. She, alongside her eldest daughter, earned a certificate in
Education for Ministry in 2017 from the University of the South's School of Theology, which
helped her to further support her children and grandchildren through many life transitions and
challenges. Judy's dedication to the church remained the central focus of her life.
Judy will be remembered by her generosity, grace, a deep love for her family, and an
unmatched ability to make people laugh. She is deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Amy Martin Smith, grandchildren Elsie Caroline Martin,
Margaret Caroline Shipley(Zach Montes), Ella Catherine Shipley, Joseph Houston Martin
(Justine), great grandchildren Maxwell Prince Cayce and Ryder Frank Martin; nephews David
James, John James, niece Margaret (Peggy) James, and brother-in-law Ronald James, all of
Virginia.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elsie and Jim Fields, her husband Frank, her children
Betsy Martin and Frank Martin III, and sisters Jean Fields and Harriet James.
To the many friends and care givers who pampered, protected, called, visited, and uplifted Judy
with prayers throughout her final years, your kindness will always be a blessing.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church (630
Mississippi Avenue Signal Mountain, TN) on December 6, 2025 at 11am. The family will receive
visitors beginning at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church's Outreach
Ministries. Friends Of Homosassa Springs friendshswp.org
Parkinson's Foundation www.parkinson.org