The automotive upholstery industry and fans of automotive television are mourning Sue Martin, the founder of ASM Auto Upholstery who became widely recognised by the nickname “Dragon Lady Sue.”
A report published on October 31, 2026, announced that Martin had died following a battle with cancer. According to the report, which attributed the announcement to her family and ASM Auto Upholstery, she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.
Her reported passing marks the loss of a businesswoman whose determination, craftsmanship, and distinctive personality helped her build a name beyond the Dallas automotive community.
Although she became familiar to television audiences through her association with automotive programmes, Martin’s legacy extended well beyond her on-screen appearances. She was also remembered as a business owner, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Who Was Sue Martin, the Woman Known as Dragon Lady Sue?
Sue Martin was an entrepreneur and automotive upholstery specialist who founded ASM Auto Upholstery in the Dallas, Texas, area.
She became known to a wider audience through her appearances and association with automotive television, particularly Fast N’ Loud and Misfit Garage.
Her nickname, “Dragon Lady Sue,” became part of her public identity, reflecting the bold personality that viewers and people familiar with her work came to recognise.
Martin’s story was also one of determination and building a career through hard work. Born in Taiwan, she eventually moved to the United States and established herself in the automotive customisation industry.
Her professional journey was not simply about running a business. Through upholstery and custom automotive interiors, she developed a reputation for craftsmanship and a strong commitment to the quality of her work.
Building ASM Auto Upholstery Into a Recognised Business
Martin’s most significant professional achievement was establishing ASM Auto Upholstery.
The business became associated with custom automotive interiors and upholstery work, serving customers who wanted distinctive finishes and carefully crafted vehicle interiors.
Her work helped introduce her to people beyond the immediate Dallas area, particularly through the automotive enthusiast community.
In an industry where technical skill, attention to detail, and reputation matter, Martin built a business that reflected her experience and personal standards.
Her journey also carried a wider message about entrepreneurship. She demonstrated that determination and persistence could help someone build a lasting business, even when starting from a different country and facing challenges along the way.
Dragon Lady Sue and Her Television Recognition
Martin’s personality and work eventually brought her into the world of automotive entertainment.
Her association with Fast N’ Loud and Misfit Garage introduced her to audiences who might otherwise never have encountered ASM Auto Upholstery.
For viewers, she was more than the owner of an upholstery business. Her outspoken nature, humour, confidence, and unmistakable presence helped make her memorable.
Her television recognition also brought attention to the craftsmanship behind custom vehicle interiors and the people who work in that specialised field.
The nickname “Dragon Lady Sue” became closely connected to her identity among automotive fans.
Sue Martin Cause of Death: What Has Been Reported?
Questions surrounding Sue Martin’s cause of death have emerged following the announcement of her reported passing.
The October 31, 2026, report by Performance Everyday states that Martin died following a battle with cancer.
The publication also reports that she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, attributing those details to a message shared by her family and ASM Auto Upholstery.
However, the original family or business announcement was not independently located during this research.
No specific cancer diagnosis, date of diagnosis, treatment history, or other medical details could be independently established.
Accordingly, the reported cancer battle should be attributed to the published announcement rather than expanded into an unverified medical account.
Family Life and the People She Leaves Behind
Away from her business and television recognition, Martin was described as a devoted family member.
The October 31 report identifies her as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her family reportedly remembered her as someone who remained involved in the important moments of their lives and whose strong personality was accompanied by deep affection for those closest to her.
The family also expressed gratitude to customers, friends, and fans who supported Martin throughout her life and career.
According to the published account, her loved ones have requested privacy as they process their loss.
Specific names of surviving relatives and a complete family list were not independently established in the sources reviewed.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond Television
Sue Martin’s story is significant because of what she built and the people she reached through her work.
From her beginnings in Taiwan to establishing an automotive upholstery business in the Dallas area, her journey reflected persistence and ambition.
Her connection with automotive television introduced her personality and professional world to a much larger audience, while ASM Auto Upholstery remained central to her public identity.
For people who knew her through the automotive industry, she will be remembered for her craftsmanship and business achievements. For television viewers, she will remain the outspoken personality they came to recognise as Dragon Lady Sue.
Her family, friends, customers, and fans now have the task of preserving those memories.
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 |
| Business location | Dallas, Texas area |
| Birthplace | Taiwan, according to the published report |
| Television association | Fast N’ Loud and Misfit Garage |
| Reported date of death | Not specified |
| Reported cause of death | Cancer, according to the October 31 report |
| Place of death | At home, according to the published account |
| Family | Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother |
| Funeral arrangements | No verified details located |
Disclaimer
This article is based on the October 31, 2026, report concerning Sue Martin’s passing and publicly available information about her professional background. The report attributes the death announcement and cancer-related details to her family and ASM Auto Upholstery. The original announcement was not independently located, and no specific medical diagnosis or exact date of death has been established through the sources reviewed. Additional information will be included if a verified family or business statement becomes available.