Shirley Martin

Shirley Martin ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Freeman Mortuary - Jefferson City on Mar. 4, 2026.Shirley Anne Martin, age 87, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Capital Region Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.She was born on December 3, 1938, in Lawrence, Kan., the daughter of Floyd Earl and Nellie Geanette (Reed) Nichols.Shirley grew up in the mid-Missouri area and attended Jefferson City High School. She became a familiar and friendly face at JC Penney, where she dedicated nearly 40 years as a merchandising assistant, serving both locally and during her time in Montana. She took pride in her work and the many friendships she formed along the way.Though Shirley claimed she didn't have a favorite color, she certainly owned plenty of red. She enjoyed the smooth melodies of Elvis and in her younger years, was quite the social butterfly, often found on the dance floor happily doing "The Twist." She loved dining out and was a regular at Perkins for breakfast. At times, nothing satisfied her quite like a good old-fashioned McDonald's cheeseburger, and when she was seeking comfort, a hearty country fried steak dinner always did the trick. Shirley had a tender heart for animals, especially dogs, and found great joy in their loyal companionship. Shirley also loved to travel, especially to Texas and Arizona, where she cherished time spent with her daughter.Family meant everything to Shirley, and she was always there to support the ones she loved. She was helpful and loving, with just a touch of stubbornness and those who knew her understood it was best to stay on her good side. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.Survivors include her son, Jeffery Seeligmann of Jefferson City; one son-in-law, Tommy Harrell; two granddaughters, Naida Fick (Wayne) and Marissa Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Skylar Fick, Mya Dusheke, Brooklynn Fick, and Bryce Wilson; three brothers, Floyd Nichols, Jr., (Barb) and Albert Nichols (Delores) both of Jefferson City, Danny Nichols (Wanda) of Rocky Mount; and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Genetta Harrell; two siblings and their spouses, Mary Lou Bentaman (Fritz) and James Nichols (Frannie).Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Freeman Mortuary. A time for sharing memories will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Danny Nichols, officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon, Mo., immediately following the visitation.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Friends of JCAS, PO Box 105932, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.