Martha Shell Futrell

Martha Shell Futrell (82) of Statesville, N.C. sadly passed away on November 2, 2025, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Her last days were surrounded by loved ones.

Martha was born on August 1, 1943, to the late Wesley and Ivy Lee Shell. She was a graduate of Statesville High School and continued her education at Queens College in Charlotte. She married the love of her life, Frank (Pete) Futrell, in 1965. The two of them were inseparable. Where you would find one, you would likely find the other. The couple started dating when Martha was 15 years old and were happily married for 52 years according to Martha because “Pete hated change.”

Martha was a dedicated teacher. She was very proud of her ability to connect with even the naughtiest students. Her affinity for rule along with her great sense of humor served her well in this position. Martha was passionate about making sure every child got a good education and most importantly she made sure her “kids” knew they were loved and cared for.

Martha’s greatest pride was in her two sons Peter and John. She and Pete raised their family in Cincinnati, Ohio. She loved being a mother and prided herself on taking care of all 3 of the men in her life. Dinner was promptly on the table at 6pm each night. She loved spoiling those she loved. There was absolutely no floor space available on Christmas morning for one more present. She was a loving and devoted grandmother to Nick, Megan, Jacob, and Zachary. Nothing tickled her more than getting phone calls from them and sharing about their lives with all who would listen. She also adored contact with her nephew Miles Hechtman (Amy) of San Raphael, CA who shared her wit.

Her sons, grandchildren, sisters, nephew, nieces, and great nieces and nephews all revered Martha as the matriarch of the family. She was a listening ear for all who knew her. She loved telephone calls and social gatherings. We often joked about how she had the best social life in the family. Her quick wit and coy smile brought joy to all she met. She had a way of making everyone she encountered feel understood and loved.

Martha or “Marcie” as her nieces called her was more than a sister and an aunt. She was a second mother to her younger sisters, Leslie and Sallie. Martha loved their sleepovers, especially when they were in her bed or she got them to tickle. She was a confidant throughout life, never failing to be there whenever there was something to celebrate or when life hit you hard and you needed someone to lean on. When Sallie and Martha attended the play “Steel Magnolias” together, Martha laughed and said, “It sounds like us every night” and it did.

Sallie’s daughters Lindsey Pryor (Ryan), Brittany Broome (Kyle), and Courtney Daley were the daughters she never had. She spent countless holidays, special occasions, and everyday moments watching Family Feud, post-dance class ice cream cones, and tickling arms and legs with her loved ones. She was a constant source of nurturing, humor, and acceptance to her family and her presence will be deeply missed. She would often tell us “If everyone just listened to me, their lives would be much better.” She was confident in her opinion.

Much to everyone’s delight, Pete and Martha retired to Statesville. Martha was an active member of First ARP Church. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for years.

After the passing of her beloved husband Pete, Martha spent a great deal of time with her lifelong friends Mary Deaton, Beverly Aiken, and Nan Weatherman (deceased). They called themselves the Golden Girls and they got together most Saturday nights for supper up until Martha’s passing. Pat Johnson was another close childhood friend with whom she had a special bond. When Martha’s health deteriorated, her close friend, Mary Neely (Nate) really stepped up to the plate to ensure Martha was getting proper care and nutritious meals.

Martha is survived by her sons, Peter Futrell, MD of Cumming, GA and John Futrell (Christine) of Scottsdale, AZ. She is also survived by her grandchildren Nick Futrell (Kinsey) of Boston, MA, Megan Futrell of Dallas, TX, and Jacob and Zachary Futrell of Scottsdale, AZ. Her sisters Leslie Shell of Palm Springs, CA and Sallie Vallereux (Don) of Statesville, NC also survive. Martha was preceded in death by an older sister, Rebecca Shell, and a niece Angela Peeler. Another niece Shelley Cook of Galax, Va. also survives.

Martha could often be found on her back porch sitting in the sun, watching her hummingbirds, and reading a good book. She always had a sweet treat ready for anyone who might stop by. Our family will miss her ability to make us laugh no matter what, her green beans for every holiday meal, her effortlessly classy style, and her spunk. Until we meet again, we love you the most!

A celebration of life will be held on December 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Troutman Funeral Home.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Martha Futrell.