It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Exie Jean “Sexy Exie” Martin, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Exie was born on September 8, 1942, in Omega, Illinois, and peacefully departed this life on August 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth.
Exie was a loving mother to five daughters, a hard worker, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She was known for her warm heart, friendly smile, and incredible cooking. She loved gathering everyone around the table for meals and was known for her chicken and noodles, fried chicken, fudge, and strawberry jello cakes. She enjoyed traveling with her sisters, but was happiest with a baby in her arms and was known for rocking them for hours. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and all who knew her.
In honor of Exie’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to 1880 – Lovells Grove Church Cemetery and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801. You may contact them at (618) 532-3523 as they are honored to be of service to Exie’s family. For those wishing to extend condolences online, messages may be left for the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Exie is lovingly survived by her daughters: Lori Allen and husband Eugene, Julie Kohrig and husband G, Tracy Clifton, and Deanna Howard. Her legacy extends to her adored grandchildren: Ki Ristia Lampe and husband Nic, Dyllan Allen and Brooklyn, Chamareanna Johnson, Kash’el McClain, Eric Durham, Anthony Martin and fiancé Mahalah Powell, Donavan Watson, April Durham McClellan and husband Michael, and Dearria Watson. She also leaves behind 14 cherished great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor her memory in the years to come. Exie is also survived by her two brothers: Ron Arnold and wife Pat of Salem, and Don Arnold and wife Sherry of Salem, sister: Nettie Towler of Patoka, and several nieces and nephews.
Exie is preceded in death by her beloved parents: George Arnold, Sr. and Ellen (Beck) Arnold, her former husband: Forrest “Bud” Martin, her dear daughter: Melissa Martin, three brothers: George Arnold, Jr., Robert Arnold, and Wayne Arnold, and a sister: Elsa Osborne.
