Shirley Martin 

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Shirley Martin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2023, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was surrounded by her loving family and the care of the compassionate staff at the facility. 

Born on June 16, 1937, Shirley was the daughter of Murrell (Red) and Marie Mullins. She grew up in Portageville, Missouri, where she developed a strong sense of community and faith. Shirley married the love of her life, Blaine Edward Martin, on July 19, 1956, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love and devotion. 

Shirley was a longtime member of the First Church of God in Portageville, where she found solace, support, and a sense of belonging. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she lived it out through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for others. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Murrell and Marie Mullins, her brother James Mullins, her sister-in-law, Beverly Martin, and her beloved husband, Blaine Edward Martin. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for her two sons, Steve Martin (Judy) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Barry Martin (Kriste) of Jackson, Missouri and her brother-in-law, George Martin of Cary, Mississippi. Her grandchildren, Jessica Allison (Anthony), Spencer Martin (JoBeth), Jake Schlitt (ReVay), Ashton Schlitt, and Nathan Martin (Danna), were the light of her life. Shirley also had the joy of being a great-grandmother to eleven precious great-grandchildren. 

Shirley will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and loving nature touched the lives of many. She had a special place in the hearts of her friends in Portageville and the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, where she formed lasting connections and shared countless memories.

 A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who loved her, and her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. The family kindly requests donations to be made in Shirley's honor to the First Church of God in Portageville or the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.