Martha Ann (nee Duncan) Shackelford, 87, born January 16, 1935, passed on to her reward on November 25, 2022. She was a faithful follower of Christ her entire life, and a member of the Southeast Church of Christ in Mogadore. Martha and the love of her life, Aubrey, were married for 52 years, they moved to Ohio in 1953 from Mississippi. They bought a home in Bedford Hts. in 1959 where they lived for 40 years before moving to Norton and then Tallmadge.

Martha was known for opening her door to anyone. She hosted Sunday meals with visiting preachers and countless gatherings of friends and family over the years. Martha was a wonderful southern cook and had an enormous heart to always serve others with whatever they needed.

Martha played on the high school basketball team where they were State Champs 3 years running. She loved to watch college basketball and Duke was her favorite team for many years. She also enjoyed watching college football, rooting for Ohio State, and any team playing against Michigan. She was fiercely competitive when it came to sports and even when she lost her sight, she would not miss a chance to be an armchair referee for every game.

Her love for her family was her greatest joy, as was her love for her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Her memory was impeccable. She was known for remembering birthdays, events, and even the smallest details about the past. Martha recently said that she loved her life. She had a wonderful childhood and loved the time she had with her family and friends.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Lena (nee Gilmore) Duncan, and the love of her life, Aubrey Shackelford. She is survived by her precious sister, Mary Murphree; her children, Larry (Cheryl) Shackelford, Beverly Valley, and John (Beth) Steindorf, the son of her husband who called her “mom”; her grandchildren, Casey, Ryan, Taylor, Madelyn, Olivia, William, Chuck, Chrissy and great grandchildren Jackie, Barrett, and Beau. Martha will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44305, where Mr. Vernon Teagarden will celebrate Martha’s life.

Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Monday, December 5, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

Martha will be laid to rest, beside her husband, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM.