Margaret Illges Chenoweth Oehmig, of Lookout Mountain, died peacefully at her home Friday morning, February 20, 2009.
She celebrated her 90th birthday this past December with four generations of family members present. Margaret will always be remembered as being a true Southern Lady. She was born December 11, 1918, in Columbus, Ga., at the Illges Family Home and was the daughter of the late Nouna and Beach Chenoweth of Birmingham, Al.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Von D. Oehmig; brothers, Dr. Beach Chenoweth Jr., and James B. Chenoweth of Birmingham, grandchildren, William Carlyle and Meredith Chenoweth Oehmig of Houston
Margaret was educated at The Gunston Hall School in Washington, D.C., and Finch College in New York City. Margaret Chenoweth was one of the most popular débutante of her era, and is listed in The Débutante Register. She was a Sustainer Emeritus of the Junior League of Chattanooga of which she was once president.
She was a Life Member of the Garden Club of Lookout Mountain. An accomplished flower arranger particularly in her favorite, the Ikebana Style, and studied many times with the renowned Sheila Macqueen in England.
She was an avid bridge player and had a longstanding game with her Wednesday group, Tilda Oehmig, Alice Lupton, Hedy Davenport, Janet Strang and Lucy Thatcher.
Margaret and Von loved to travel, spending time in Chicago, New York, London and Paris, and summering at The Old Baldy Club in Saratoga, Wy. During her travels she began to collect antiques, primarily English furniture and French porcelain, which led her to open Antiques On the Corner in 1980. For many years she made trips to England and France to personally select pieces for her shop.
Margaret is survived by her children, Randolph D. Oehmig and wife Janet, of Crystal River, Fl., Marian Oehmig Latimer of Lookout Mountain, and William C. Oehmig and wife Alice of Houston, Tx.; grandchildren, Matilda (Meg) Patton of Lookout Mountain, Ray W. Griffin, III, of Signal Mountain, and Gordon Daniel Oehmig of Houston; four great-grandsons, Will, Mac and Jack Patton, and Charlie Griffin.
Margaret was especially fond of her extended family of devoted caregivers, particularly Kay McClanahan of Cleveland, Tn., and also, most faithful and local employee of over 25 years, Ronnie Russell.
She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, at Forest Hills Cemetery with The Reverend King Oehmig officiating.
Memorial contributions made to the MICO Foundation, Siskin Hospital, the Garden Club of Lookout Mountain, or the charity of your choice.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share condolences.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.