Shelby Martin Cramer

Shelby Martin Cramer passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 87. Shelby Jean Martin was born in Macon, Georgia on July 28, 1939, to John Robert Martin Sr and Maxie Pearl Martin. Shelby graduated from A.L. Miller School for Girls. Ambitious and driven, Shelby went on to graduate from Crandall Business College in Macon, and she began her career with an entry level role within the corporate offices of the Keebler Company. By the end of her fulfilling career, Shelby’s responsibilities included managing the logistics and distribution of Keebler's many growing product lines both domestically and across the globe.

Shelby was married for more than 63 years to the love of her life, Claude Eugene Cramer, “Gene.” Gene’s career briefly took the newlyweds to southern California before returning to Macon to start their family. Shelby and Gene welcomed one beloved daughter, Kristyleigh Cramer Mckemie, “Kristy,” and from the day she was born, she was their greatest joy and the center of their world. Shelby delighted in supporting Kristy’s education and her daughter’s extracurricular activities. Shelby, Gene, and Kristy shared many fond memories together at their home on Lake Sinclair, boating and fishing, trips to the beach, and one full summer spent in Hawaii visiting Shelby’s brother, JR. Shelby and Gene were devoted UGA fans. Together, they traveled to home and away games in their motorhome, joined by friends and family, creating countless cherished memories along the way. Their game-day weekends and legendary tailgates were filled with good food, laughter, and fellowship, and of course, their love for the Georgia Bulldogs.

For the last 39 years, Shelby embraced the most consequential role of her life, a role she loved above all others – being a grandmother. Shelby’s three grandchildren, Kyndall, Clay, and John Robert were blessed beyond measure to have Shelby, known affectionately as “Gran,” involved in nearly every aspect of their lives, along with her late husband Gene, “Grandaddy.” Shelby and Gene were part of the rhythm of their grandchildren’s lives at every step of their upbringing, rarely missing any event, birthday, holiday, or family trip. Whether their grandchildren were living hours away, or just down the road in Macon, Shelby and Gene made being a part of their grandchildren's lives a priority in everything they did. Shelby’s three grandchildren, as well as her daughter, will forever cherish the fact their grandparents were a constant fixture in their lives and will always remember the truly boundless love they received from their grandparents. Shelby’s family will continue to carry both her and Gene’s compassionate spirit throughout their lives.

Outside of her family and career, Shelby, a lifelong learner, pursued many new interests later in life. Shelby maintained a deep interest in art and cultivated her skills as a talented oil painter. She also loved gardening and experimenting with new varieties and techniques. Shelby was a lifelong, accomplished bridge player who loved playing with many local bridge groups. She played both duplicate and party bridge and especially enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of tournament play. Some of her fondest times at the bridge table were with her sister-in-law and bridge partner, Sue Cramer. Together, Shelby and Sue were a formidable team, and the pair won several annual tournaments at Sea Island, creating many treasured memories along the way. Shelby’s deep interest in history, coupled with her love for the city of Macon manifested with her involvement and leadership of numerous organizations in Macon. Shelby volunteered with Macon’s historic Cannonball House, supported preservation initiatives for Riverside Cemetery, and she volunteered for several years as a docent at Macon’s Historic Hay House. Shelby’s deep fascination for genealogy led to her involvement, including numerous leadership roles, with countless genealogical societies, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society for Colonial Dames of America, and the National Huguenot Society. Whatever the organization, cause, or initiative, Shelby simply delighted in being around others, including her many friends, both new and old.

Shelby was preceded in death by her parents, John Robert Martin Sr. and Maxie Martin; her beloved husband, Gene Cramer; and her beloved grandson, Clarence Rogers McKemie IV, “Clay.” Her family finds profound peace in knowing that she will be reunited with Clay and Gene.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristyleigh Cramer McKemie of Macon; her granddaughter, Kyndall Cramer McKemie of Macon; and her grandson, John Robert Martin McKemie of Washington, DC. She is also survived by her sister, Dianne Humphries, and many nieces and nephews. A private family burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Hart's at the Cupola on Wednesday, September 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Shelby’s name to the Camp Laney Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization providing financial assistance to boys who otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend Camp Laney. Shelby was a firm believer that every child deserves the opportunity to experience all the joy that summer camp has to offer. Donations may be mailed to Camp Laney Foundation, P.O. Box 289, Mentone, Alabama 35984.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.