Martha Pauline Shirey

November 24, 1932 – June 16, 2025

Martha Pauline York Shirey, lovingly known as Polly, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on November 24, 1932, in Mobile, Alabama, she was the cherished daughter of James Dewitt York and Annie Laura Phillips.

A proud graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile, Polly lived a life marked by deep love, devotion, and service. She was a dedicated Navy wife to Emmett L. Kozel, Sr. (deceased) for 18 years. Later, she shared 24 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Hubert Lamar Shirey, who also preceded her in death.

For 45 years, Martha worked as a desk clerk at Motel 6, where her warm smile and kind heart made every guest feel like family. She never met a stranger and offered unconditional love to all. Affectionately known as the Matriarch of her family, she was a source of strength, grace, and boundless affection.

Polly is survived by her loving children: Elizabeth Lynn (Cecil), Emmett L. Kozel Jr., Vickey Scott (Bill), Paula Kozel; and stepdaughters Pamela Dyer and Belinda Vaughn. She was preceded in death by her daughter Karen Anthony and stepchildren Kenneth Shirey, Leesa Romines, and Greg Shirey.

Her legacy continues through 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Rayford Eugene York, Phyllis Jones, Margaret Anice Davis and RoseMarie Seeley. She was preceded in death by siblings James C. York, Calvin York, Inez York, and Douglas York.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandson: Alvin Scott, Lamar Lynn, Jason Kozel, Nic Anthony, Nick Steele III, and Noah Lynn.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway 90e, Pensacola, FL 32503, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM. Polly will be laid to rest in Bayview Memorial Park, Pensacola, Florida.

There will be a reception following the service at Bayview.

Polly’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.