Shala Dawn Martin-Smalley was born in Del City December 4, 1968 to Don Martin and Barbara Ann Howard Martin.

She passed away October 11, 2013 West of Perkins at the age of 44.

Shala was a minister, pastor, and a barrel racer with a desire to make a difference in the world she lived in, the industry she competed in, and the youth that carry our future. She was the founder and president of Angelsong Ministries celebrating its 10 year anniversary January 1st 2014. Shala was an ordained minister under the covering of Pastors Roy and Clara Hayes of Successful Word Church in Warwick where she and her husband Bruce Smalley served as Youth Pastors for the last two years. She served as president of the Chandler Ministerial Alliance consecutively in 2011 and 2012.

She worked at the Lincoln County Assessor’s office for 12 years followed by an additional seven years at the Payne County Assessor’s office.

Shala was a mother of six children and six grandchildren.

She was a graduate of Victory by Virtue for Women at Successful Word Church where she later taught. She ministered at the Lincoln County Jail and nursing homes.

She produced races such as “He Paid Your Fees Barrel Race”, and hosted many clinics and youth camps at home facilities. She was co-pastor of Cowboy Church at BBR in Oklahoma City for 5+ years and currently worked at the First Christian Church in Chandler.

Shala was survived by her husband, Bruce Smalley of the home; children, Britney Thompson of Cushing; Niki Thompson of Ponca City; Melissa Thompson of Chandler and Josiah Smalley of the home; parents, Don and Barbara Martin of Shawnee; step-children, Jason Smalley and Barbie Smalley of Stroud and grandchildren, Alexis, Landon, Connor, Levi, Gideon and Emma.

A funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Chandler with interment following in the Carney Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.