Shirley M. Martin

Shirley M. Martin, 86, of Cheshire, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 6, 2026 at her residence on Jericho Road.

Born on April 5, 1939 in Gallipolis, Ohio, Shirley was the daughter of the late Edward and Helena Watts. In 2022, Shirley was preceded in death by Charles E. Martin, her loving husband of 64 years. Shirley attended Addison Freewill Baptist Church where she was a tireless servant of the Lord. In recent years, Shirley visited Grace Methodist Church and Elizabeth Chapel with her daughters. Shirley attended Kyger Creek High School and Rio Grande College. She was a 28 year employee of Gallia County Local Schools where she touched many young lives as an aide and librarian, then volunteering with the afterschool programs. Shirley was an avid bowler in her church league. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and flower and vegetable gardening, along with many word search puzzle books. Additionally, Shirley enjoyed several long distance motorcycle trips with Charles and friends.

A devoted mother, Shirley seldom missed a day sending uplifting messages to family members, as family was her everything. Shirley is survived by her brother, Tom (Debbie) Watts; daughters, Kelly (Tom) Morgan and Andrea (Rusty) Prater; and son, Carey (Tammie) Martin, all of Gallipolis. She loved being Nan or Nanny to her grandchildren, Dustin and Kory Cox, Brandon Prater, and Gracie (Dakota) Morgan and great grandsons, Michael James Cox and Parker Morgan.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Hayman and grandson, Andrew Prater.

Services for Shirley will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Addison Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Matt Smith officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Cremeans, Dean Cremeans, Dustin Cox, Kory Cox, Brandon Prater, and Dakota Morgan. Tom Morgan, Rusty Prater, and Tom Martin will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Addison Freewill Baptist Church in Shirley’s memory.