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

  Shirley was born February 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, MS and Jerry C. Martin of Dayton, OH; three grandchildren, Sydney (Kevin) Gall of Elkhart, IN, Alexandra (Jay) Vanderpool of Dayton, OH, Victor Martin of Chapel Hill, NC; and six great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her twin brother Lonnie Sherwood "Buddy" Smith and sister, Elleanor 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, 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, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

  A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home,700 E Jackson Boulevard, Elkhart, Indiana. Graveside services will follow at Rice Cemetery, 400 James Street, Elkhart, Indiana.

  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association