Sue Martin, the founder of ASM Auto Upholstery and the popular television personality affectionately known as “Dragon Lady Sue,” has reportedly died following a battle with cancer.
Martin, who became widely recognised through her appearances on the Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud, was remembered for her exceptional upholstery skills, outspoken personality, determination, and dedication to her family.
According to a report published on October 31, 2026, she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. The announcement was attributed to a message shared by her family and ASM Auto Upholstery.
Her reported passing marks the loss of a familiar personality in the automotive restoration community, where her work and television appearances introduced her craftsmanship to audiences far beyond Dallas, Texas.
Who Was Sue Martin?
Sue Martin was an entrepreneur and automotive upholstery specialist who built ASM Auto Upholstery into a recognised business.
Born in Taiwan, Martin eventually moved to the United States and established herself in the automotive industry. Her journey was characterised by determination and a willingness to build something of her own in a field traditionally dominated by men.
She developed a reputation for transforming vehicle interiors through detailed upholstery work, particularly on classic and customised automobiles.
Her business became especially familiar to viewers of Fast N’ Loud, where she worked on restoration projects involving Gas Monkey Garage.
Although she was not a full-time employee of the garage, her upholstery expertise made her an important collaborator on several builds.
How Dragon Lady Sue Became a Familiar Face on Fast N’ Loud
Martin’s popularity grew after she appeared on Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud, the automotive reality television series featuring Richard Rawlings and the Gas Monkey Garage team.
Her work involved creating and restoring vehicle interiors, bringing specialised craftsmanship to projects that required attention to detail and high-quality finishes.
However, her popularity was not based on her technical abilities alone.
Fans also recognised her for her direct communication, sharp humour, confidence, and willingness to speak her mind. Her interactions with the Gas Monkey Garage team became memorable parts of the programme.
The nickname “Dragon Lady Sue” reflected the distinctive personality that audiences came to associate with her.
Through the show, Martin introduced many viewers to the specialised work involved in automotive upholstery and demonstrated the importance of skilled craftspeople in vehicle restoration.
From Taiwan to Building a Successful Automotive Business in Texas
Martin’s story was also one of entrepreneurship and perseverance.
After arriving in the United States, she pursued opportunities that eventually led her into the upholstery industry. Rather than remaining in the background, she developed the skills and business experience needed to establish her own operation.
Through ASM Auto Upholstery, she built a business serving customers who wanted specialised interiors for classic cars, customised vehicles, and restoration projects.
Her reputation grew through the quality of her work and the relationships she developed with customers and other automotive professionals.
Her television exposure further introduced the business to an international audience, helping make her name familiar among automotive restoration enthusiasts.
For Martin, the business represented more than a source of income. It reflected years of hard work, personal ambition, and the determination to establish a lasting place in an industry where women were often underrepresented.
Sue Martin Cause of Death: What Has Been Reported?
According to the October 31 report, Sue Martin died following a battle with cancer.
The same report stated that she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by members of her family.
However, a specific cancer diagnosis, the date of her diagnosis, and further medical details have not been established through an independently available medical or family statement.
The report also did not provide her exact date of death or age.
For that reason, the available information supports describing her passing as following a reported cancer battle, without making assumptions about the particular illness or medical circumstances.
Family Remembers a Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother
Beyond her work and television appearances, Martin was remembered as a devoted family woman.
The report describing her passing said she was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who valued being present for important family moments.
Her family reportedly expressed appreciation to the customers, friends, and fans who supported her throughout her life and career.
They also shared messages reflecting their faith, finding comfort in the belief that Martin was healed and reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband.
The family has reportedly requested privacy and understanding as they mourn her passing.
While her television appearances introduced her to a large audience, those closest to her remembered a woman whose personality, humour, and love for family extended far beyond the screen.
An Enduring Legacy in Automotive Restoration
Sue Martin leaves behind a legacy connected to the automotive restoration industry and the business she worked hard to establish.
Her contributions through ASM Auto Upholstery demonstrated the importance of specialist craftsmanship in restoring and transforming vehicles.
Her appearances on Fast N’ Loud also helped bring greater visibility to automotive upholstery, a specialised area of restoration that audiences do not always get to see.
For fans who followed her work, Martin will be remembered as the outspoken upholstery expert whose confidence and humour made her stand out.
Her journey from Taiwan to building a recognised business in Texas also remains an important part of her story.
Although her reported passing has brought sadness to those familiar with her work, the business she established, the vehicles she helped transform, and the memories she created through television remain part of her legacy.
Key Facts About Sue Martin
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sue Martin |
| Known as | Dragon Lady Sue |
| Profession | Entrepreneur and automotive upholstery specialist |
| Business | ASM Auto Upholstery |
| Birthplace | Taiwan |
| Business location | Dallas, Texas |
| Television appearance | Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud |
| Known for | Automotive upholstery and distinctive personality |
| Reported cause of death | Cancer |
| Date of death | Not specified in the available report |
| Age | Not confirmed |
| Family | Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother |
| Funeral arrangements | No confirmed public details available |
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on publicly available reporting dated October 31, 2026, which attributes the announcement of Sue Martin’s passing to a message from her family and ASM Auto Upholstery. The reported cancer battle has not been accompanied by specific medical details in the available coverage. Her exact age, date of death, and funeral arrangements have not been independently established. Further information may be added if an official family announcement becomes available.