Shirley Dale Clark Martin, 84, of Cale, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home on October 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born on August 21, 1942, in Lewisville, Arkansas, to Dale Willis Clark and Lillian Campbell Clark. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family and home.
Shirley found great joy in the simple things in life. She loved baking, canning, sewing, and taking care of her plants. She was happiest when she was at home with her family, sharing the love and warmth that made her home a special place for everyone who entered it.
She was preceded in death by her parents, farther Dale Willis Clark and mother Lillian Clark. her brothers, George Clark of DeKalb, Texas, and Roy Curtis Clark of Hope, Arkansas; her sisters, Martha Raines of Cale, Arkansas, Judy Thompson of Stamps, Arkansas, and Joy Humphrey of Bodcaw, Arkansas; and her grandson, Justin Martin of Hope, Arkansas and Son in law Larry Williams of Caney, Arkansas.
Shirley leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories with her husband of 67 years, Dale Martin of Cale, Arkansas.
She is also survived by her brothers, Jerry Clark (Fannie) of Sheridan, Arkansas; Jim Clark of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Coy Clark of Bodcaw, Arkansas; her sisters, Ethel Goodner of Cale, Arkansas, and Peggy Martin of Prescott, Arkansas.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Williams of Caney, Arkansas, and Sheila Purtle of Cale, Arkansas; and her sons, Danny Martin (Jeanette) of Laneburg, Arkansas; Robert Martin (Tina) of Okolona, Arkansas; Ricky Martin (Cindy) of Hope, Arkansas; and Rodney Martin of Rosston, Arkansas.
Shirley was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as dozens of nieces and nephews who will cherish the memories they shared with her.
Shirley will be remembered for her gentle heart, her love for her family, and the countless ways she cared for those around her. Her legacy will live on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations that follow.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing that she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the people she loved.
She leaves behind a lifetime of love, and she will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 2:00- 3:00 PM at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Chapel- Hope.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM, Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Herndon- Fuqua Funeral Home Chapel- Hope with Bro. Neal Ridling officiating.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Bodcaw under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home.
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