Martha Greene (Smith) Clarke

Martha Greene (Smith) Clarke passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 98 years old. 

The mother of five children, George Clarke, Cathy Clarke, Robert Clarke, Ernest Clarke, and Martha Shatzen. She is survived by Cathy, Robert, and Martha; five grandchildren Christina Shatzen, Kyle Shatzen, Jefferson Shatzen, Pavlina Clarke, Nicole Johnson, George Richard Sanders, and Cassie Hurley; and five great grandchildren Mason, Finn, Gabriel Joseph, Sophia Lillian.

Martha was predeceased by her first husband and father of her five children, George I. Clarke, as well as her second husband Henry R. Hester.

Born on September 21, 1926, in Knoxville, Tennessee to Furman and Margaret Smith, Martha had an idyllic childhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. Martha loved to learn. Passionate about her education from an early age, she attended a Catholic all-girls college before moving to Atlanta, where she later attended Georgia State University and Emory University to continue her studies in music theory and physics, naturally. 

Martha Clarke was a devoted patron - and contributor to - the arts. Classically trained in opera and an incredible pianist, she could hit a pitch you never knew possible and was a beloved member of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Choir. A season ticket-holder of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Opera, supporting the arts brought her tremendous joy, and anyone in her circle of friends & family was subject to updates on the comings and goings of symphony music directors–no prior knowledge required. 

A deep supporter of equal rights, Martha was a proud member of the League of Women’s Voters and opened up her home to campaign and fundraise for Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Hosea Williams.

She had an unquenchable desire for knowledge, which led to diverse and varied hobbies beyond reading, education, and music. She was a dog breeder, field trail competitor, and master gardener. She loved good conversation, the very occasional glass of champagne, and the best things life has to offer – a fabulous outfit, a good bottle of olive oil, a delicious meal. 

Her life exemplified integrity and equality in all areas of her life…she remained spunky and sharp all 98 years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Doctors Without Borders, Mercy House in Chicago for homeless children and Habitat for Humanity.

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