Martha Clarke

MOUNDS, Ill. — Martha Ellen "Ellie" Nixon Clarke, 63, of Mounds passed away Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Sept. 30, 1957, to William and Judith Chrestman White in Cairo. Martha married Thomas L. Nixon on April 15, 1978. He preceded her in death Aug. 4, 2000. She married Mark Clarke on Jan. 2, 2016, and he survives.

Ellie was the proud owner of Nixon Farms and her own beauty shop she owned for more than 30 years, Ellie's Little Hair House. She enjoyed watching shows at The Fox Theatre and taking beach vacations. Ellie had a helping spirit and volunteered for events anytime she was needed.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Lanier; son, Forrest (Melanie) Nixon; stepson, T.J. Nixon; four grandchildren, Thomas Bosecker, Emilee Korte, Ali-Claire Nixon and Case Nixon; brother, Jimmy (Jennifer) White; sister, Suzy Holland; two sisters-in-law, Mary Candace (Richard) Keates and Sally Ann (Rick) Palin; two brothers-in-law, John Andrew Clarke and Willis Jackson; and many other nieces and nephews, including Ben, Marcus, Erika and Jessica; cousins; other relatives; a host of friends; and a very special four-legged friend, Sparky.

Besides her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Clay White; and a sister-in-law, Linda Jackson.

Per Ellie's request, a graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pulaski, Illinois, with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Huckleberry's/ALS Respite Care.

Crain Funeral Home of Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.