Shelly "Nelly" La Nettie Martin

Service Details

Homegoing Services will be celebrated for Nelly at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Keith T. Evans officiating. Interment will follow, next to her beloved sister Jennifer, in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 10-11 am.

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Shelly La Nettie Martin, age 58, transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Kenosha, WI.  She was born on January 26, 1967, in Racine, WI, to Bishop C. and Georgia Queen E. (nee:  Smith) Martin. 

Shelly, affectionately known as “Nelly” was educated in the Racine Unified School System. Growing up, Shelly participated in many beauty pageants.  After graduating high school, she pursued a career in the Military, joining the United States Army.  Shelly proudly served our country and was a Veteran of the Gulf War Era and Peacetime serving from October 23, 1985 through July 2, 1991.  During this time, Shelly served as a Financial Specialist.  While on active duty, she earned the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Lapel Button, the Parachute Badge, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Commendation Medal and the Marksman Badge Riffle Ribbon.  Shelly enlisted in the Reserves, serving until May 23, 1993, before being Honorably Discharged.

Once Shelly was discharged, she settled in Kissimmee, FL, and was a caregiver for many families for many years.  She and her sister, Jennifer Joann Martin, not only lived together for many years, but they enjoyed selling on eBay together until Jennifers’ passing on July 5, 2025.  Shelly loved her family and will truly be missed by all that knew her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her father: Bishop C. Martin, Racine, WI; Sister: Debra L. Martin, Racine, WI; Niece and Nephew: Gabriella Wright and Cameron (Ashley) Wright; Great-Nieces: Aria Hayes and Angelina Smollen; Great-Nephews: KaMari Wright, Julian Wright, Giovanni Wright, Kayden Schoedl. Special Aunt: Marzee Smith; Additional Aunts: Lula Grace (Walter) Kilgore, Anna Martin, Varnell (Howard) Owens, Doris (Bennie) Smith.  Special Uncle: Hervie Martin; Special Cousin: Stephen Martin and Special Friend from childhood: Sharon Tye. She is further survived by a host of cousins, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Georgia Queen E. Martin; her sister, Jennifer Joann Martin; her grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Homegoing Services will be celebrated for Nelly at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Keith T. Evans officiating. Interment will follow, next to her beloved sister Jennifer, in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 10-11 am.