Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd dies at 89

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) A former Congresswoman who represented our area has died.

Marilyn Lloyd was 89 years old.

She served in Congress representing the Third District from 1975 to 1995.

Lloyd was the first woman to serve a full term in Tennessee.

Like two women before her, she stepped in to serve when her husband died.

Mort Lloyd was a long time TV anchor here at WDEF and also WRCB from the 1950s through the early 70’s

In 1974, he decided to retire from TV and run for Congress.

He won the democratic nomination, but was killed in a plane crash.

The party chose to pick his wife to run in his stead.

She won in November during the Watergate sweep nationally that put many new Democrats in office.

But unlike the other widows who served before her, Lloyd ran for a second term, and served a total of ten. (Many said she was always more political minded than her husband was).

Twenty years later, Republicans finally took the seat back after her retirement.

But her Republican successors are now singing her praises.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann thanked Lloyd today for 20 years of service, saying her legacy will forever be apart of East Tennessee history.

And Congressman Zach Wamp, who barely lost to her in her last election, told us today they later became friends.

“She showed up and paid to come to one of my fundraisers and supported me for re-election. I am, a Republican, she is a Democrat. That never happens anymore. Some people gave her a hard time about it, but she was one of those people who put her country before her party.”

She is survived by three children, including her son Morty, who is pastor at Chattanooga Church.

Visitation will be held Saturday at Chattanooga Church.

You can read a full obituary for Marilyn Lloyd here.