Shirley Rankin

Age 84, of Flint, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, 1194 E. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris, Michigan. Pastor Robert Smith Jr. to officiate with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Friday, April 25 from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at 1:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Shirley’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Shirley Joan Rankin was born on July 27, 1940, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Alma Whitman. She met and married the love of her life, Richard Rankin. Their marriage would be blessed with six children that Shirley would cherish deeply. Sadly, Richard preceded Shirley in passing in January of 1992. She worked as a line worker for General Motors for over 10 years before her well-earned retirement in 1974. After her retirement, her strong work ethic continued, often selling Avon cosmetics, home interior, and Beeline clothing. She also lived a very active lifestyle and loved to travel. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and forming new memories with her loved ones. Her soul was kind, warm and open to all she met.

Left to cherish her memory are her four daughters: Debbie Wise and boyfriend, Chad, Vicky Gubson, Bonnie and husband, Terry Boyd, Diana Faulkner; her grandchildren: Devin Rankin, Jason Thomson, Shelby Boyd, Mary Thomson, Crystal Thomson, Jennifer Pulido; as well as many other beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members and friends.

Shirley has joined her husband: Richard Rankin; her parents: Walter and Elma Whitman; her son: James Rankin; her daughter: Sherry Rankin; her granddaughter: Melissa Rankin; and her two brothers: Ronnie and David Whitman.