Chattanooga reflects on the contributions of Omah Romanchick.
Chattanooga is mourning the passing of beloved local figure, Omah Laurette Romanchick, who died at the age of 98. Known for her significant contributions during World War II and her dedication to community service, Omah’s legacy will be cherished in Chattanooga for years to come. She will be laid to rest at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, with a Celebration of Life service planned at McFarland United Methodist Church.
Chattanooga is in a state of quiet reflection following the passing of Omah Laurette Romanchick, who left this world on January 5, 2025, at the grand age of 98. This remarkable woman was born right here in Chattanooga on February 5, 1926, to proud parents Boyce Campbell Sexton and Lula Shields Sexton. Omah’s journey through life was marked by many significant contributions, and her legacy will be cherished in the community for years to come.
During her younger years, Omah played an essential role in helping the country during World War II. She supervised telephone operators for the local phone company, which gave her a front-row seat to history. Omah often reminisced about the joy she felt the day the world learned about the end of the war, one of the very first to receive that momentous news through her telephone connections. She took great pride in her critical position during such a pivotal time.
Before she became a mother, Omah worked in the accounting department of the Provident Life Insurance Company in Chattanooga. These early experiences helped shape her into the well-rounded individual everyone admired. In the 1960s, she and her husband, Joe, started a new chapter as they opened the North Georgia Lumber and Supply Company in Fort Oglethorpe. They became well-known figures in the area and left an impact that was felt far and wide.
Omah and Joe weren’t just business owners; they were vital community members who owned several rental properties in Fort Oglethorpe for over two decades. Their involvement didn’t stop there, as Omah dedicated many years to volunteering at McFarland United Methodist Church in Rossville. There, she would regularly perform various office duties and assist in producing church bulletins, firmly establishing herself as a beloved figure among the congregation.
Omah’s passing marks the end of an era for many who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Romanchick, their daughter Cynthia, and her half-brother Robert Sexton, alongside sisters Rebecca Lindner and Tommie Raines. Despite these losses, Omah’s spirit will live on through her son, Steve Roman; her sister, Linda Payne, along with her “sister” cousin, Martha Norris; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who carry a piece of her legacy within them.
Following her wishes, Omah will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. The family is planning a Celebration of Life service, which will take place at McFarland United Methodist Church in Rossville at a later date. Details regarding the service will be shared on the church’s website to ensure all who wish to pay their respects can gather and honor her memory.
The North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, located at 5401 Highway 153 in Hixson, is handling funeral arrangements and is available to assist the family during this emotional time. Omah Romanchick’s life was a tapestry woven with love, dedication, and community service, and her impact will be felt by many for generations to come. As Chattanooga mourns, it also celebrates the remarkable woman who was a friend, daughter, mother, and a guiding light for all.
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