Shirley S. Martin

Shirley S. Martin, 88, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Camellia Estates in McComb, Mississippi after an extended illness.

Shirley was born Feb. 4, 1936, in Angier, North Carolina, to Grover A. Smith and Carrie Messer Smith.

She is survived by sons J. Michael (Laura) Martin of McComb, Mississippi, and Jerry C. Martin of Dayton, Ohio; three grand children, Sydney (Kevin) Gall of Elkhart, Indiana, Alexandra (Jay) Vanderpool of Dayton, Ohio, Victor Martin of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and six great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her twin brother, Lonnie Sherwood "Buddy" Smith, and sister, Eleanor Smith "Pat" Mills.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James C. Martin; father, Grover A. Smith; mother, Carrie Messer Smith; brothers, Grover Loyce Smith, Ralston Lewis Smith, Garland "Bill" Ralph Smith, Grover Artmus Jr. Smith, and Charles Lamar Smith; and sisters, Mary Elizabeth McKinney and Myrtle Alda Ray.

Shirley graduated from Angier High School in 1954 and attended Campbell University Nursing. After she married, she moved to Elkhart, Indiana, and worked in various capacities at Ohio Rubber, Elkhart Products Corporation, First National Data Processing and Head Start.

Shirley enjoyed cooking, sewing, children, crafts, growing flowers, gardening, cook-outs, taking photographs and the beach. However, her real enjoyment came from being around her family and friends. She loved spending time with her children, grand children, great grand children, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Walley Mills Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, Indiana. Graveside services will follow at Rice Cemetary, 400 James St., Elkhart, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association® Help Fight Alzheimer's.