Shirley Fern Martin

Shirley Fern Martin, age 86, of Hannibal, MO  went to her Heavenly home at 12:58 am Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Hannibal Regional Hospital with her sister by her side.

A celebration of Shirley's life for family and friends will be held at Smith Funeral Home & Chapel at 11:00 am Monday, October 3, 2022.  Bro. Wes Tischer will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation celebrating Shirley will be held at 9:30 am until 11:00 am Monday October 3, 2022 at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Shirley was born on November 22, 1935, to Rev. Elba Milton and Fern Luella Martin  in Norborne, MO.  The Martins moved to Hannibal, MO in 1951 where Shirley graduated from Hannibal High School in 1955.  She attended Lincoln Christian College (now University) in Lincoln, IL after graduation.

Despite having an eye disability, God blessed Shirley with a talent in music.  She learned to play piano and sing and played for most of her dad's ministry accompanied by her mother who played the organ.  Shirley also sang solo specials and sang with her dad and sister throughout most of her life.  She particularly loved to sing "The Love of God", "How Great Thou Art" and "Consider the Lilies".  It's a great comfort knowing Shirley will see clearly for the first time ever and sing praises to our Father.

In the 1960's, Shirley taught many children in her private kindergarten at South Side Christian Church and Lindell Avenue Christian Church.  Later she became a care giver and nanny for various babies and children in Hannibal.

Shirley was a great servant of Christ and was a member of West Side Christian Church until it closed.  She then attended the Hannibal Church of Christ where she made many new friends in Christ.

Shirley loved teaching children about Jesus and teaching them songs and choruses.  She taught many different ages of children in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and youth groups throughout her lifetime.  The love of God and her family were the most important things in her life.

Shopping was one of Shirley's favorite activities and she could shop for hours even if not purchasing anything.  She also enjoyed walking and visiting with friends.  Technology entered Shirley's life in her later years and she enjoyed being in contact with friends on Facebook.  She enjoyed taking trips and once did a bus trip to Washington D.C. and Nashville, TN.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, aunts, uncles and other relatives.

She will be lovingly missed by her surviving family, her sister Ruth Ellison (Richard) of Hannibal, MO, two nieces, Leslie O'Brien (Dave) of Palmyra, MO, Jill Maple (David) of Yukon, OK and one nephew, Richie Eillson (Karla) of Hannibal, MO.  She is also survived by one great niece and three great nephews all of whom she helped raise; Anna Maple of Hannibal, MO, Michael Maple of Oklahoma City, OK, Matthew Maple (Sierrah) of Hannibal, MO and Alex O'Brien of Palmyra, MO, two step great nephews, Tyler and Ayden Kincaid of Hannibal, MO and two special ladies Shirley helped to raise, Brenda Ferrell of Nashville, TN and Paulette Ferrell Kehely of Mesquite, TX.

Pallbearers will be Richie Ellison, David Maple, Dave O'Brien, Michael Maple, Matthew Maple and Tyler Kincaid

Honorary pallbearers will be Alex O'Brien, Anna Maple and Ayden Kincaid.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of Christ 3104 Market Street, Hannibal, MO 63401 , Shiloh Christian Children's Ranch 316 South 2nd Street, Shelbina, MO 63468 , in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Shirley's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com