Shirley Lee Voress Martin

Shirley Lee Voress Martin, 94, passed away on May 31, 2024, in Dublin, OH surrounded by her beloved family members.  Born in Charleston, WV, Shirley graduated from Charleston High School (1947) and Miami University (1951) where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and received a bachelor’s degree.  She took postgraduate courses at Colorado State University and Wright State University, and taught English and Science in the Kettering (OH) City Schools. Shirley and her husband George lived in Kettering and wintered in Sarasota and Boca Raton, FL in retirement. 

Shirley will be remembered first and foremost for her steadfast devotion to her husband and family, and for helping others. She was a model of courage and strength, who shared her beautiful smile and a positive attitude in all circumstances. Those around her marveled at her intellect and superb memory, her zest for lifelong learning, and her expert use of the latest technology tools.  Shirley loved to play cards, read, do brain games and the daily Wordle, and stream the latest movies and shows on her tablet. Watching the Reds, OSU and other sports teams were also favorite pastimes.  Dogs, gardening, water aerobics, travel and adventures were important to Shirley throughout her lifetime. Her domestic gifts included cooking, sewing, crafts and entertaining. She could also do anything around the house, from changing the oil in a car, to plumbing and tile work, roofing repairs and woodworking projects.  She devotedly served others through delivery of Meals on Wheels to seniors in need, her work at the church’s food bank, and by singing in her church choir. Shirley brought so much joy and inspiration to all who knew her. 

Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, George Wayne Martin, her parents (Clyde Lennard Voress and Olive Hazel Sherman Voress), her brothers (Hugh Ellison Voress and Arlin Gray Voress), and sisters-in-law (Bettie Hiserman Voress and Cary Louise Edgar Voress) and brother-in-law (Charles L. Martin). 

Shirley is survived by her children, William (Kay), Barbara (Rob), and Laurie (Bob), and her eight accomplished grandchildren, Christine (John), Kimberly, Stephanie, Stacey (Cameron), Christopher, Andrew, (Cassie), Alex, and Austin, as well as three great-granddaughters, Chloe, Lily, and Olivia, a sister-in-law (Betty Martin) and eight nieces and nephews.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at David’s United Church of Christ, 170 W. David Rd, Kettering, OH 45429, with a visitation from 10-11am and a memorial service to be held following at 11am. A live stream will be available at www.davidsucc.org or on their YouTube channel (@davidsunitedchurchofchrist51). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Shirley’s name to David’s United Church of Christ Peanut Butter Fund, 170 West David Road, Kettering, OH 45429 (https://secure.myvanco.com/YNDR/campaign/C-Z0MP) or the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Young Minds Fund (www.columbuslibrary.org/foundation/).