Shirley A. Martin, age 82, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 10, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Born on March 5, 1944, at Downey Hospital in Gainesville, Georgia, Shirley was a daughter of the late Elmer Bryan Martin and Dorothy Bell Barker Martin.

Shirley was a woman whose life was defined by a deep love for her family, a generous heart, and a genuine concern for others. She loved her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter fiercely, and there was little she would not do for those she held dear. Strong, caring, and selfless, Shirley was always willing to give of herself to help others, never seeking recognition but simply doing what came naturally from her heart.

For 25 years, Shirley dedicated herself to educating young people as a teacher with Habersham County Schools. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless students and families throughout the years. She understood that teaching was more than lessons from a book—it was an opportunity to encourage, guide, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Above all, Shirley's greatest joy was found in the people she loved. Her family was the center of her world, and she leaves them a beautiful legacy of love, sacrifice, strength, generosity, and kindness. The values she lived by and the love she so freely gave will continue through the generations who follow her and through the many lives upon which she made a positive and lasting impression.

Though her earthly presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that Shirley has finished her journey here and is now safely resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior. The love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created will remain treasured gifts in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her loving husband of 40 years, Tommy Martin; daughters and sons-in-law, Melisa L. Queen and James Queen, and Cheryl A. Smith and Larry Smith; grandchildren, Leah & Andie Queen, and Jack Stewart and Jessica Stewart; great-granddaughter, Lillian Stewart; sisters, Janice Connolly and Carol Strode; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and again from 12:00 noon until the service hour on Wednesday.

An online guest registry is available for the Martin family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Shirley A. Martin.