Rachel Ruby Lee McMath

Rachel Ruby Lee McMath, 82, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2026, in a local hospital. Her soft-spoken, humble, kind, loving, and giving spirit will be missed by a multitude of family and friends. Rachel was born Wednesday, November 24, 1943. She was the only girl, first born with five brothers. While growing up Rachel also served as an extended parent to her siblings as well as later in years to her grandson. One of her brothers noted that she was a strict one with them, but was appreciative later in life. She strongly loved and kept up with her entire family. Her youngest brother expressed genuine appreciation in remembering how much she helped him in his growing up years. Rachel always had and demonstrated a giving spirit, taking care of others, expecting nothing in return. Rachel was a graduate of Hill High School that was located in Lafayette, Georgia. She was actively involved in school activities. During high school she was part of the basketball team. She loved to watch sports, particularly basketball and football. Her favorite basketball teams were the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. Also, in her senior high school year she was also first runner up homecoming queen at Hill High School. Rachel attended Zion College of Technology and Business/Chattanooga City College that became part of what is now the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her working profession started from retail services to ending with home care/housekeeping for her employer and long-time friend, Ms. Sue Ann Wells. Rachel was an excellent cook and enjoyed making banana bread. She also loved country/jazz, blues music, and loved to dance. Even through her own struggles, Rachel was known for being happily supportive to all. She was truly a gifted and wise woman, humble enough to admit when making mistakes at the same time full of laughter at moments. Time spent with her will always be treasured and remembered. Rachel’s main life path was spiritual. She was a spiritual woman, recognized for her deep faith, remarkable strength, boundless compassion and giving spirit. Rachel was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Wednesday, July 7, 1971. Following baptism, she dedicated her life to serving Jehovah God. As a spiritual woman, she set an excellent example in her whole soul devotion, faithfulness and unwavering loyalty to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. During her ministry work she felt privileged to serve for a limited time as a regular pioneer and periodically as an auxiliary pioneer when she was able. Through her experiences, trials, and tribulations in life, she proved her loyalty to Jehovah God. She was highly respected by all. As a spiritual woman, she built a strong foundation as having a good relationship with Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. She strongly believed in God’s promises regarding resurrection and those recorded in Revelation 21:3-4, the happy hope of a time when there would be no more sickness, sadness, death or any kind of suffering. She established herself as one who passed on sound advice based on her life experience, and most importantly, words of Godly wisdom she gained and received during her lifetime. In addition to her parents, Ike Long Sr. and Estella Long; and eldest brother, Ike Long, Jr., Rachel was preceded in death by her son, Denver Joe McMath, Jr. and daughter, Crystal Lynn McMath. Rachel is survived by her daughters, Sophia Long (Gary) Barfield, Denise McMath, and Estella Yvonne McMath; grandchildren, Tavarris (Sabrina) McMath, Tiffany McMath, Summer McMath, and Shaunta McMath; several great-grandchildren; beloved brothers and their wives, Ralph (Sharon) Long, Sr., Nathaniel (Linda) Long, Calvin (Romary) Long, and Gary (Cynthia) Long; as well as many nieces; nephews; cousins, and many dear friends and acquaintances. A memorial service will be held for Rachel on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home. DIRECTIONS TO LIVESTREAM: Click on the link below and sign in. https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/SEXP9U

Rachel Ruby Lee McMath

November 24, 1943 - June 22, 2026