Martha June Murphree Shafarman left this realm in Calera, AL, on September 4, 2023, peacefully with a smile. She was pre-deceased by her loving parents, Billie Lee and Ruth June (née Taylor) Murphree, devoted husband and partner in crime, Donald H. Shafarman, youngest son Anthony Reed Leazure and niece Lauren Adams.
Martha blasted into this realm on a sunbeam on July 10, 1940. She smiled large and frequently; she spread joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Everyone who knew her loved her. There is simply not enough room to list all her dear friends and acquaintances, gazillion hobbies, places she lived and countries she visited. She was the little girl next door and the worldy woman traveling the globe. She was honest, trustworthy, funny, witty, talented, beautiful, smart, and courageous. She was a fighter for causes she believed in: that all animals in the world deserve to be loved and cared for like children; and that we are all equal, no matter what coat and hat we wear. Her sense of humor was unparalleled. Everyone who knows her knows what this means.
Martha is survived by two sons, Michael Arlen Leazure of San Diego, CA and William Mark Leazure (Kim McClain) of Calera AL; two sisters, Patricia Lee Murphree Dalton of Mayflower, AR and Billie Joyce Murphree Stroud (Larry), of Hot Springs, AR. She leaves behind five grandchildren, Nicole Leazure, Natalie Leazure, Eric Leazure, Ashley Leazure and Melody Garst; four nieces and nephews, Shawn Sparks Kacena, Ashley Williams, Brook Stroud Bailey and Bradley Stroud; six great grandchildren, Kaylyn, Kylie, Kenley, Landon, Claire and Chloe; and other family and many, many friends.
As per her wishes, there will not be a service; however, a few close family members and friends will have a private Celebration Of Life in Alabama. The exact date has not been determined. Many of you know Mark and Kim were building a small cottage for Martha just a few feet from their own home. Almost complete, it just needed a sidewalk and a few final aesthetic/mechanical/plumbing finals. Martha and Kim designed a wild and wonderful (and edible!) landscape around Martha’s two decks and yard. Martha never got to physically move in, she stayed the last week and passed away peacefully in Mama Kim’s old farmhouse just a few steps away; but her spirit lives there. Upon completion of all final touches, we will hold her Celebration Of Life service at “Martha’s Hideaway.” If you loved her, you are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation online to Shelby County Humane Society at
https://www.shelbyhumane.org or mail your donation to Shelby County Humane Society, 381 McDow Rd., Columbiana, AL 35051. Please dedicate to “Angel Shafarman,” Martha’s recently adopted kitten. Angel tried to take Duchess’ place in Martha’s heart, but she is too independent, feisty and free-spirited, thus she made her own heart space. Angel is with Mark and Kim and always will be home.
Lastly, the family hopes that you will all take comfort in knowing she was smiling and at peace, in our loving arms, when she shed her cocoon.
"Just When The Caterpillar Thought The World Was Over, It Became A Butterfly" - Chuang Tzu
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Martha June Shafarman. We will remember her forever.
