|
|
1915 - 2010
 Age: 95
SHIRKEY, Martha H.
Lawton
Martha Henry Shirkey, a native of Augusta, Georgia, and long-time resident of Lawton, Michigan, died peacefully early Friday morning, May 14, 2010, after suffering an apparent stroke. Martha was born January 9, 1915 and was the daughter of Dr. Robert Lee and Harriet Martha (Goodrich) Henry. Martha was the youngest of seven children all of whom pre-deceased her. Martha s brothers and sisters were Charles Goodrich (Carolyn) Henry, Elizabeth (Ruebush) Shands, Mary Gibson Henry, Lucy Goodrich (Leonard Booker) Pattillo, Robert Lee (Helen) Henry, Jr., and William Benson (Jeanne) Henry. Martha was raised at 2627 Helen Street in Augusta in the days of streetcars, brick streets, and ice delivery by horse cart. In Augusta she attended schools, graduating from Tubman High School and studied piano under the instruction of her aunt, Lucy Goodrich. In 1936 Martha graduated with a Bachelor of Music majoring in piano from the Conservatory at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. Martha received a postgraduate degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Martha traveled by steamship to Europe during the summer of 1936. After graduating, Martha taught music in several schools in South Carolina. While in South Carolina she met a young army officer, Lt. Donald E. Shirkey. They married June 25, 1943 in Augusta, Georgia. While Don was in Europe, Martha and their first son, Edward, lived in Augusta. After World War II, the young family moved to Covert, Michigan, where Don returned to his teaching position. In 1947 Don and Martha and their family moved to Lawton where Don taught for 26 years. In Lawton Martha raised her family of three children, taught piano and organ lessons to area children and was a substitute music teacher in Lawton Community Schools. Martha was the Minister of Music and Choir Director of St. Paul s Methodist Church in Lawton for over 30 years. Martha taught Sunday School, Bible School, was involved with the Methodist Youth Fellowship and the Women s Society. A Peace Pole at the Church is dedicated in Martha s honor. Martha was a member of the Lake View Hospital Auxiliary. Martha volunteered in many of their activities including providing music at Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and White Oak Assisted Living. She played the piano and organ at many local weddings and funeral services. Martha was named Volunteer Woman of the Year for the Village of Lawton in 1992. Martha was on the village library board, raised flowers, enjoyed playing and listening to music and attending musical concerts and fed birds in her backyard. Martha s warmth, love, sense of humor and (slight) Georgia accent will be missed. Martha lived at White Oaks Assisted Living for the last several years where she enjoyed the friendship of the residents and the staff. Martha is survived by her son, Edward Allen Shirkey and wife Karen Willis of Las Cruces, NM; son Robert Henry Shirkey and wife Linda of Northport, MI; daughter Susan Martha Shirkey Knudstrup and husband Paul of Lawton; granddaughter Kiersten M. Knudstrup Chapman of Ypsilanti; grandson Zachary C. Shirkey and wife Erin of Rochester, NY; granddaughter Kezia C. Shirkey of Nashville, TN; grandson John Perkins Willis of Las Cruces, NM; great granddaughter Brynn K. Chapman of Ypsilanti and fourteen loving nieces and nephews and their families. Two nieces and one nephew pre-deceased Martha. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19th, 2 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Lawton. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton. Memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Audubon Society, Hospice Care of Southwestern Michigan, or a charity of your choice. Funeral services are being provided by Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw, MI. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. |
|
There are currently 7 condolences.
Shauna Adams Lula
moony49079@yahoo.com
Friday June 25, 2010 at
5:12 PM
|
Martha was a pretty important person in my life for many years. Being a close neighbor while I grew up in Lawton, she always had a pleasant smile and good word for me. How I deserved it, I do not know. She was my choir director at church when I was a wee lass and up through many years of my life at St. Paul's. It has been my intention to visit her, but, I am ashamed to say, never made it down to White Oaks. My condolences to the family.
|
| |
Rose Thornburg Fischer
Wednesday May 19, 2010 at
11:20 AM
|
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother will always be remembered as the beautiful,gentle, patient, southern lady. I remember her musical talent and how she graciously shared it with others. Your home was always open to those who wished to stop by. I know you all will miss her but always think of the good times, she would not want you to grieve. She is at peace in heaven with your Dad. May God bless.
|
| |
Jerry Allgood2allgoods@att.net
Wednesday May 19, 2010 at
7:42 AM
|
Rob, We were sorry to hear about your mother. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jerry
|
| |
Barbara Carson
Tuesday May 18, 2010 at
1:14 PM
|
To you all, my cousins, my first meeting your Mom was when your Dad brought her to B'ville as a young bride. This beautiful young southern lady that I was in awe over and she remained that way in my heart the remainder of her life. She was a lovely lady and loved by so many. She has left a beautiful family who loved her dearly. She will forever hold a very special place in my heart. I loved her and I love all of you, Barb, and Bob, too
|
| |
Melissa Hessert
melissahessert@cfl.rr.com
Monday May 17, 2010 at
6:47 PM
|
Martha Shirkey was an amazing woman who will be missed. God Bless her family.
|
| |
Al and Bev Pollard
Sunday May 16, 2010 at
6:02 PM
|
Our memories of Martha are few because we only crossed paths a few times in the years that my cousin Linda has been part of her family. I do remember her as being a very elegant, softspoken woman, very welcoming to others. Rob is much like his mother in those ways.
You will all miss her very much but you have much to remember in the days ahead as you reminisce about her very busy and accomplished life and what a blessing she was to all of you.
We share your sorrow.
Al and Bev
|
| |
Pam & David Noyes
bigwindow55@hotmail.com
Sunday May 16, 2010 at
5:34 PM
|
Dear Sue, Your mother was such a wonderful lady. Some much of my childhood are fond memories of going to your home to visit you....your Mom was such a shining presence. All so remember choir and her twinkling eyes and smile while directing us. She did so many good things for the town of Lawton. She was certainly a presence that will never be forgotten. Our sympathy to You and your brothers & family at this difficult time. I can see her in heaven greeting your Dad and relatives, friends that welcome her into the Kingdom of God. What a joyous day! She served the Lord well while on this earth and her reward has come at last! Love to you, Sue.
|
| |
|
