Shirley Anne Martin

Shirley Anne Martin, born in Kansas City, Missouri, moved to California in her mid-teens. She was introduced to Harold by family and the rest is History. They married in September 1950. They had the 3 kids between August 1951—May 1959.

When the kids went to school, Shirley worked part-time at Wineman’s Department Store in Huntington Park, then at Spears Men’s Shop in Bell Gardens. Also, she managed the financial part of the family business, AZ-TECH Machine. Shirley was great with numbers and kept very meticulous financial records.

She loved gardening and she loved to decorate her house for the holidays. In her younger days, she was quite good at bowling and played in several leagues. She played the organ for several years at Bell Gardens Foursquare Church and taught a girl’s Sunday School Class. She was an AWANA leader and secretary for several years at 1st Baptist Church of Downey. She wanted children to know about Jesus and His love for them. She and Harold were members of the Chi Alpha Sunday School class and had many close friends there.

She loved crafting, crocheting, sewing, and baking (especially around the holidays). She loved playing cards with friends and family. She always had time to play games with her grandkids and great-grandkids, right up to a month prior to her passing. No doubt her greatest joy was her family.

The love of her life, Harold, and she were married for 73 wonderful years.

She had been heard to say that she had lived a “Fairy Tale” life. She was loved by many and will be missed. But we know she is with Jesus, and many family and friends in Heaven.

Shirley is survived by her loving family: Husband, John Harold Martin of Downey, Son, Donald Ernest Martin(Susan) of Downey, Daughters, Cheryl Lynn Salyer(Richard) of Downey and Pamela Renee Malcom(Glenn)of Riverside, Grand Kids, Julie Biorkman(Chris) (Greats -Cole, Noelle), Stephanie Townsend (Mark) (Greats - Hannah, Amanda, Nicole), Luke Salyer (Amy), and Caleb Malcolm, Sister, Donna Hall from Independence, MO, along with many nieces and nephews.

Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held on June 22,2024 at 1pm at Rivera First Baptist Church, 9141 Burke St., Pico Rivera, CA.

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.rishermortuary.com.