Marietta Leah Coats Cunningham Todd

Marietta Leah Coats Cunningham Todd, 83, of Franklin, Tennessee passed from this earthly life after a short illness on Friday, May 27, 2022. Marietta was born in Cabool, Missouri, having been delivered at home by her great-grandfather “Papaw”, who was said to be one of the very last "Horse and Buggy"doctors. She was the eldest daughter of the late Billy and Mary Coats, originally from Missouri, later Nashville Tennessee. Her early years were spent on her grandmother’s family farm in Webb City, western Missouri. When she was five, her family moved to Tennessee. Marietta excelled early at playing the piano. She often sang and acted in school plays. And also played the tuba in the high school band. Marietta graduated from Nashville's Hillsboro High School in 1957. She became a member of Belmont Heights Baptist Church. Marietta attended Samford University (formerly Howard College) in Birmingham, Alabama. She then attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she studied classical and modern music, with an emphasis on piano. In January 1963, she married Gene R. Cunningham, Major, USAF, in a military ceremony in Okinawa, Japan. After the birth of their daughter, Mary Elizabeth, the young family settled into Warner Robins, Georgia. For a period of time, the family had been posted in Darmstadt, (then West) Germany. In 1974, Marietta relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, she worked, taught piano, and continued as a very active member of the Belmont Heights Baptist Church. In February 1985, Marietta married S. Stewart Todd, a retired intelligence case officer. The family moved to Franklin, Tennessee, where she joined the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Classically trained in music, she became actively involved in the choir. She read scripture in Sunday services. Marietta was a member of a small “K” group. The "K" group centres on the EFM (Education for Ministry) curriculum. EFM is a 4-year program of study of the Bible, theology, and ethics. Marietta graduated with certification and a diploma from the University of The South School of Theology. With her love of music, she continued to teach private piano lessons. She also actively worked as a volunteer in the community. She and her husband enjoyed volunteering by delivering food for the Meals On Wheels program. Marietta certified in scuba diving, which she loved. She held a pilot's license. She loved to solo, depending on very restricted conditions. She said that flying was to her, as the famous "High Flight" poem which ends with the words, "...while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God." Marietta was a gifted piano player. She loved singing. She often interacted with friends & relatives. She especially loved sharing about her three grandchildren. Marietta is survived by her husband: S. Stewart Todd; daughter: Mary Elizabeth (Tim) Francine; grandchildren: Hilton Francine (23), Harper Francine (21), and Hollis Francine (18); sister: Sandra (Dean) Chase; nephews: Collin Chase and David Chase; niece: Carrie (Chris) Wojnar and numerous cousins and friends. Marietta was laid to rest at the Middle TN Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.