Shirley Martin

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Shirley Claunch Martin of Waxahachie, TX, went to be with the Lord on June 8, 2021. She was born in Fort Worth, TX on May 9, 1935 to Annie (Isham) and Robert E. Claunch. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, adored brother Robert D. Claunch, baby sister Norma C. Claunch, nephew Jerrold Claunch and nieces Yolonda Claunch and Johnnie Claunch.

An exceptional student, Shirley attended Birdville High School in Fort Worth. She entered the workforce at the Ft. Worth Army Depot as a young mother. She spent most of her working life as an administrative assistant for the Social Security Administration. Upon retiring, Shirley worked alongside her daughter and son-in-law for 30 years at Thornhill Auto Group in Waxahachie.

Known as “Granny” to countless friends and family, she adored spending time with those she loved. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would say that she was a welcome presence at every school activity or sporting event.

Granny had a wanderlust for traveling. She sought adventure in Israel, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Europe to name a few. A longtime Mickey Mouse fan, she took dozens of vacations to Disney World with her daughter. She was a good skier, bowler, and square-dancer, as well as a grand cook, painter, and ceramicist. She also loved movies and the theatre.

A member of the Covenant Class at First United Methodist Church of Waxahachie for 20 years, Granny loved her church and serving the community. She cherished the friendships made in her bible study group and she enjoyed studying God’s Word.

Shirley is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Janet and John Thornhill, son Laurence Martin, and son and daughter-in-law Robert and Carrie Martin. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Sean and Dani Cagle, Jennifer and Aaron Pilgrim, David and Claire Thornhill, Josh Martin, and Alexandra and Michael Sandifer; and nine precious great-grandchildren, Loeva, Silas, Cora, Annabelle, Levi, Amy, Nolan, Dean, and Luna.  She is also survived by her loving niece Beverly Speer and husband Gary, and Jeanette Clauch. Many special friends graced her life including Sara, Jodie Graves, Melissa Ballard, Judy Gilby and Beverly Horak.

Granny will be deeply missed but our treasured memories will live on in our hearts forever. Because we knew her, we have been changed for the better.

We would like to give a special thanks to Bristol Hospice and Brookdale of Waxahachie for the extraordinary care given to Shirley during her residence.

Funeral services for Granny will be held at First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie with Visitation at 1pm, Service at 2pm and Graveside at Waxahachie City Cemetery to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to the First United Methodist Church Waxahachie, 505 W. Marvin Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165.