Shirley Ann Drake

Shirley Ann Drake, 70, of Martinsville, gained eternal rest at 6:43 AM on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, at Grand Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center in Martinsville. She was born on Thursday, June 30th, 1955, in Martinsville, Indiana, to the late Emerson Nathaniel Thomas and Phyllis Jean (Martin) Forney. A lifelong resident of Martinsville, Shirley graduated with the Martinsville High School Class of 1973.

On August 5th, 1976, Shirley met the love of her life, David Kipp Drake, and the two were united in marriage two years later, on August 5th, 1978. Their extraordinary marriage was filled with laughter, devotion, and countless small gestures of love, including their tradition of leaving heartfelt notes on the backs of paper plates. Shirley and David shared 45 wonderful years together prior to his passing on September 21st, 2021, just two days shy of exactly four years prior to her own.

Shirley retired from Walmart in 2014 after 25 years of dedicated employment. She worked as a department manager for most of her career and later in the business office. She was respected for years of hard work and dedication, but her true joy was always found at home with her family.

When her health allowed, Shirley enjoyed bowling, creating Diamond Paintings, and preparing Sunday dinners… meals that brought her family together and filled her home with warmth and love. Above all, Shirley cherished her roles as a devoted wife, and a loving and proud mom, mamaw, and sister.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends including her stepmother, Kay Thomas of Martinsville, IN; son, Cory Thomas (wife, Ashley) Drake of Camby, IN; daughter, Kellie Jean (husband, Jeffrey) Cratty of Martinsville, IN; three sisters, Vicki (husband, Bob) Davis, Trina (husband, Chuck) Shinkle, and Teresa (husband, Steve) Bowman all of Martinsville, IN; two brothers, Tim and Terry Forney both of Bedford, IN; nine cherished grandchildren and five adored great grandchildren.

Along with her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by a stepson, David Sott Drake, and one sister, Kim Lester.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, September 26th, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. Her earthly remains will be cremated following the visitation, according to Shirley's wishes.

Condolences and memories are encouraged to be shared with the family online at www.nealandsummers.com