Michelle “Shelly” Lee (nee Bracken) Martin of O’Fallon, Missouri passed away on January 16, 2022.
Shelly was born June 20, 1970 in St. Louis, MO to Barbara “Sue/Grammy” Bracken and Willard Bracken. She was the youngest of two children. She was the precious granddaughter of the late Bonnie (nee Edwards) and George Elam, and the late Josie “Toots” (nee Fish) and Willard Bracken. She was the dearest daughter of Sue “Grammy” Bracken, the beloved wife of Tyrone “Tye” Martin; loving mother of Carley Martin, Tyler Martin, Tanner Martin, Turquoise Martin, and Isaiah Martin; adoring Grandma Shelly of grandson Terrance Gabriel Clarke; amazing sister of Nicki (Bob) Somogyi, Mitch Bracken, Kim Martin Eggleston and Dr. Freeman (LaRhonda) Culver III; awesome aunt of Jordan Fortel, April (Josh) Martin Bighem, Treasure Martin, Rosteau Martin, Freedom Culver, Tyra Culver, Ravene Bolden, and Mariah Bolden; cherished daughter-in-law of Patricia (Donald) Franklin; and sweet grandaughter-in-law of Rosa M. Martin. Great Aunt to Dontez Martin, Jiselle Bighem, Haven Taylor, and soon to be Sofia Alqasrawi. She was additionally loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends.
Shelly had a huge heart and was there for anyone who needed her. She was like her Nana who made everyone she met feel like they were the most special person to her. She was a fearless disciple for God and a warrior for her ministry. She was so proud of her children and all of their accomplishments. She was overjoyed to be a grandma. She was one of those rare people that if you met her, you loved her instantly. She had such a compassionate heart and loved to serve others especially her family. Her greatest accomplishment were her children and the love she had for them and all her family.
The visitation will be Thursday, January 20 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. for family and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. for friends or longer if needed at Kutis Funeral Home South County at 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Mehlville, MO 63129. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery under direction of Kutis Funeral Home on Friday, January 21. The service will start at 9:00am before heading to Jefferson Barracks at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Martin’s College Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/vzx3bb-martins-college-fund. MASKS ARE MANDATORY FOR VISITATION AND FUNERAL SERVICE
So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Shelly for many years. She was so genuine and kind. My sincere condolences.
My condolences go out to Grammy Sue, Tye all of their families. Shelly was an amazing lady in everything she did. She will be missed by a large group of people. God Almighty Father please be with this family as they say their final goodbyes to her before she is laid to rest. Help them with their grieving hearts and minds until they meet her again. I pray this in your name Amen.
I will always cherish the memories we had growing up together and you traveling all the way to Texas to be in my wedding. Although time and distance came between us you have always been in my heart and fond childhood memories. Prayers and live to the family.
Condolences to the entire Martin and extended family during this hard time. You will be in my prayers.
I have known tye for 34 years. He’s like a brother to me. Love and comfort to all.
My thoughts and prayers go to Shelly’s family and friends as this truly beautiful soul, whom I was so privileged to know and love, goes from her earthly life to her heavenly reward. Often times when people pass, those left behind tend to enhance their memory of the person in a way that was not true to the person’s earthly life. To me, Shelly was as true in life as she is in death. She was true to God, family, friends, co-workers and to anyone else she came into contact with. She was a fierce protector of those she loved. She was a friend to anyone who needed her help, not only in her words, but in her actions. Shelly worked hard to better relationships in her life and in her career, even when she was met with roadblocks. Shelly worked tirelessly, often through the night, to get a job done. Shelly made others look good, often without being acknowledged because doing a good job was important to her. Shelly was so organized when it came to tackling problems and I was always amazed how she could juggle home and work life, when she didn’t feel well herself. She was always helping someone, putting their needs ahead or her own. I am sure we can all remember a time Shelly was there for us, personally I can remember many, and always with a smile and words of encouragement. Shelly truly felt the love of God and wanted everyone else to feel that kind of love. I will miss my true sweet friend but I find comfort knowing she is wrapped in God’s loving arms.
Shelley is an amazing testimony of the Christian faith with an equally amazing family. It is difficult to accept or understand her early departure from this earth and it’s not meant for know the exact why? God holds those answers. What we do know is her heart, as Grammy Sue says her huge heart, and love for her children and family will always surround you, comfort you, hold you and sustain you. Rest easy faithful servant and may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Praying comfort and peace for all the family and friends. Shelly was an incredible woman.
Shelly was a delight to work with at Wells Fargo. Always known for being on top of all the details. Kind and thoughtful was her hallmark. She will be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry for your loss Shelley was a beautiful person inside and out. My prayer is that God comfort you all through this time and that He will give you strength. I love you all.
Tye, my dear & long-time friend. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. You and the family will be in my prayers. May you & all those who mourn be comforted. Amen
Shelly was a wonderful woman with an amazing spirit and such a kind heart. I’m sure she was sad at times but she never let that show. She always had a smile on her face. Although we are still in shock at her passing, God’s will is perfect. Shelly never lost her faith and now she is resting in the arms of her Father in Heaven. Tye you and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers always as well as the Bracken Family. We will miss you Cousin.
I am praying for this beautiful family that they are embraced by God’s love. I pray for my dear friend Tye to receive strength and guidance from his faith and family and friends. Sending my love and prayers to all of you.
Tye and Family, we were deeply saddened to hear about Shelly’s transition to heaven. We know that you and everyone that knew her will miss her. When she visited it was always like time hadn’t passed because she was so warm and kind. We are praying for you and the kids along with the Bracken family. We are here if you need anything.
Shelly was my dearest childhood proxy sister as we always called each other. We did just about everything together growing up including birthdays being only 4 days apart. My sincere condolences & prayers for comfort & strength. I loved you like a sister Shelly ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for all of the family and friends who loved and have been touched by Shelly. I have only known Shelly for a short time and was so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know her more over the last few years. She was an amazing woman of God with a heart for people. Her soft and gentle serving heart along with her fun-loving and passion for life will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know Shelly. Love and prayers for God’s Spirit to envelope and comfort all Shelly has left behind and prayers of hope and praise that God indeed has Shelly held in His arms in heaven. Until we meet again.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
My heart is with you Grammy, Nicki, Tye and kids. I’m so sorry for your pain and loss. You will all be in my prayers in the days ahead. God bless you all.
May God’s love bring Shelly’s family comfort and peace at this most difficult time. It was a pleasure to be a friend and co-worker of Shelly’s for many years. Sending my sympathy and prayers.
Meeting Shelly was a special day for me because my best fried, Tyrone finally introduced his wife to me after telling me about her for several years.
Shelly’s hospitality and care for me and my family was so sincere that we felt right at home. The next time I saw her, she came to visit us in Florida many years later, and she was still the same. She never changed and always projected a peace and sincerity that is rare and very special.
We will miss you Shelly, but I know we’ll see you in heaven some day.
Shelly was part of our family. My daughter Tatia, Shelly. Jennifer and Trisha were all friends in High School so they all began my adopted daughters.
Shelly you were sweetheart and yes she had a big heart.
I’m so sorry for all your family for their loss but we will all meet again in heaven.
Rest in peace sweetheart. The world was a better place with you in it.
Shelly, we miss you so much. The world totally stopped on January 16th. It’s slowly spinning again and we’re getting used to you not being with us physically. However, you’re with us every step and every breathe we take. You’re smiling down and opening those Angel arms to embrace our sorrows and providing strength. We’ve seen these acts from a dove on the basketball goal, to you protecting Gabe, from your church and work friends. Even through complete strangers; who’ve realized the kids needed were missing you. Well, I’m so glad you’re in no more pain and you’re smiling. Rest Easy Baby….Love and miss you dearly, S.W.A.K, Tye but .
Sending love and prayers to the whole family. Grammy- we love you.
We’re missing you dearly. Still trying to figure all this out. It’s all day by day. You’d be proud of the kids; as they’re doing some amazing things. Fly High Shelly and thanks for continuing to watch over us. TDM
Happy Anniversary, Shelly! Words can’t describe how much we all miss you! Fly High and continue watching over us. Love you, Tye
Happy Birthday, Shelly!!! It’s me again and letting you know that we’re “Missing You” like crazy. Hope you’re enjoying your party up there in heaven. Thanks for smiling down and watching over us. Rest Easy and Fly High!!! Love and Miss Ya, Tye & Kids
Hey Shelly!!! It’s me again and letting you know that you are truly missed! Well school has started again and you got another high school senior in Tyler. Can you believe it? Tanner is doing his thing. Taking classes that nobody can help him with but you. We moved Carley into her own apartment and that was so hard without you. Isaiah is rolling along in Chiropractor School. Danielle has started another year of teaching. Finally, Gabe is 9 now and has grown to be so handsome. Our grandson is growing so fast. Hope you’re enjoying your time up there in heaven. Thanks for smiling down and watching over us. Rest Easy and Fly High!!! Love and Miss You Like Crazy, Tye & Kids
Hey Shelly!!! It’s me again and letting you know that you are truly missed! It’s so hard to believe that a year has passed. It seem like yesterday sometimes. Well, Tanner is driving now and he’s pretty good. He’s still taking classes that only you could help him with. Lol! Tyler is on the countdown from senior year to Missouri State. Carley is doing her thing with school and her AKA sorority. Isaiah is still rolling along in Chiropractor School. Danielle and Gabe are well. She’s working on her Masters. He’s almost 10, athletic and funny. He’s grown to be so handsome. Hope you’re enjoying your time up there in heaven. Thanks for smiling down and watching over us. Rest Easy and Fly High!!! We Love and Miss You So Much, Tye & Kids