Martha Ellen Holman Wright

Martha Ellen Holman Wright, 94, of Dalton, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ozark, Alabama, on December 28, 1931, to the late Rhoda Bernice (Pfohl) Holman and Henderson Looney Holman, Jr. A graduate of Dale County High School (Class of 1950), she attended Huntingdon College and Auburn University. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Henderson, and her husband of 69 years, George Dewey Wright, Jr. Martha is survived by her daughter, Ellen Tozer (David) of North Potomac, MD; her sons, George Wright III (Ellen) of Nashville, TN; and Henderson Wright. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: George Tozer (Rebekah), Henderson Tozer (Julie), Martha Frances Wright (Pierce Trumbo), George Wright IV, Mary Arden Roberts (Alex), and Henderson Wright (Meagan), as well as ten great-grandchildren: Grayson, Hunter, Ezra, Silas, Cora, Scarlett, Caroline, Alex Jr., Bennett, and Clara. She is also survived by her sister, Rhoda Holleman of West Lafayette, IN.

Above all else, Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her life, and she delighted in every opportunity to gather loved ones around her table, celebrate their accomplishments, and create lasting memories. She shared her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering love generously, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were among her greatest joys. A lifelong genealogy enthusiast, Martha researched her family lineage extensively and belonged to over 20 hereditary groups. She was a talented presenter of historical programs and served as a Corresponding Docent for the DAR Museum. Active into her 90s, she held leadership roles in numerous societies, including the Jamestowne Society, the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne, the Colonial Dames of America, the National Society of Americans of Royal Descent, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Martha was a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton. Her service included the Episcopal Charities Board, the Executive Board for the Diocese, and the Bishop’s Vestry in Atlanta. At St. Mark’s, she served as Senior and Junior Wardens, chaired the Altar and Flower Guilds, and led the 125th Anniversary Celebration. Beyond her community service, Martha loved traveling the world with her husband and was active in the Home and Garden Club and the Whitfield/Murray Historical Society. She was a founding board member and Treasurer of the Northwest Georgia Infant Preschool Council. Martha was a wonderful cook, a creative floral designer, and an accomplished historian. She will be remembered for her gracious spirit, positive outlook, deep faith, intellectual curiosity, and, most of all, the love and devotion she gave to her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, encouraged, and cherished.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgewood Manor Health and Rehabilitation and Hamilton Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care and support. Also, our sincere gratitude and love to Sharon Fetzer, who has been a faithful and caring family friend.

We are deeply grateful for the attentive caregiving of Marsha Whitener and Shila Popham who gave their all in caring for Martha as if she were family. As her housekeeper, Vicki Ramirez provided many years of attention to detail and friendship. A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, June 13th, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 901 W Emery Street in Dalton, GA, followed by a graveside burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.