Shirley A. Martin

Shirley Taylor Martin passed away at age 79 on April 04, 2020 due to complications of chronic leukemia. She was born in Ville Platte, Louisiana on October 23, 1940, the only child of Porter and Mava Taylor.

The family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana around 1949, where in 1959 she graduated from Fair Park High School and then she went on to graduate from business college. Her working career included Rubinstein’s store in Shreveport, ML Bath in Shreveport, and many years at J.C. Penny’s in Houston, TX where she retired from.

In 1960, she was coaxed by a good friend to go on a blind date, at which time she met her future husband, Eugene Martin, who she discovered she had a lot in common with. Shortly after Eugene graduated from Louisiana Tech, they were married. The wedding took place in Shreveport at Queensboro Baptist Church on August 07, 1962.

In 1968, Eugene’s career with Western Geophysical transferred the family, which now included daughters Karen and Natalie, to Houston, Texas, where in 1971 their third daughter, Heather was born.

Shirley spent over 40 years with numerous health problems but loved God, loved life, lavished love on her family and friends, was always optimistic and sharing her warm, beautiful smile. She was a friend and an inspiration to the many who knew her over the years.

She was a skilled seamstress and cook. She also loved traveling, gardening, reading, shopping in antique stores, and watching documentaries.

Shirley is survived by her wonderful husband Eugene Martin, her daughter Karen Chalfant, her son-in-law Kelly Chalfant, her grandchildren Brett Miller, Shanon Chalfant, Jessie Crain, Jake Crain, Loretta Crain, Deena Crain, and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents Porter and Mava Taylor, her-in-laws Elwood and Lena Kate Martin, and her daughters Natalie Natal and Heather Crain.

The family is very grateful to all the doctors and nurses who cared for her over the years with her many health problems and for the staff at Memorial Hermann during her last days with us. They were warm, caring professionals who did their best to make her and her family as comfortable as possible.

Shirley will be greatly missed by many but has now changed addresses, her new address being in heaven where we will thankfully someday see her again. She said she always visioned herself sitting on the lap of Jesus, where it’s certain she is now, out of pain and in total peace.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Martin family.