Martha Finger Stratton

Martha Elizabeth Finger Stratton, of Gainesville died Tuesday December 14, 2010 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Mrs. Stratton was born in Gainesville on August 19, 1924. She graduated Gainesville High school, received her B.A. from Brenau College, and attended Julliard School of Music for post graduate studies. At Brenau, she was in the Senior Honor Society, Alpha Delta Pi, Mu Phi Epsilon (music), Phi Beta Sigma (scholastic), Lorelei Club, and Who's Who.

Throughout her life, she contributed to the musical life of this community in many ways and has left a substantial legacy. She was the organist for First United Methodist Church of Gainesville for 46 years and continued to contribute after her retirement in 1993. She taught piano lessons at Brenau College and privately for many years. She became an Elementary School Specialist for the city of Gainesville School System, retiring in 1984 after 16 years. While a teacher, she received the first Roy Moore Foundation Award for most creative teacher in the Gainesville City School System. She was a former member of the Gainesville Junior League, Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Board, and Brenau Archives Committee. She was a current member of the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Board, 20th Century Study Club, Progressive Arts Club, Gainesville First United Methodist Church Choir, and Lanier Village East Chorus and Music Makers. Throughout her long life, her musical talents were part of innumerable weddings and other celebrations of life and in 2004, she received the Outstanding Alumnae Award for Professional Achievement from Brenau Alumnae Association.

In addition to her professional and community contributions, she was a loving, kind, gentle and patient wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She made it a point to never speak unkindly of anyone and was encouraging of many.

She was preceded in death by her parents; George W. and Lois Q. Finger; her husband of 57 years, Haskel C. Stratton, Jr.; her brother, George W. Finger, Jr.; and son, H. Cade Stratton, III.

She is survived by her children; son and daughter-in-law, Mark F. Stratton and Dr. Patricia Stratton of Blairsville; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Mike Jones of Brookton; daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Emmett Holley of Gainesville; and grandchildren