Susan Cruse McClure, a dedicated mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend passed away Aug. 17, 2020, at the age of 64. A native of Marks, she attended the University of Mississippi, where she earned a masters degree in speech and language pathology. Ultimately, she found home in neighboring Clarksdale, where she raised two children, formed lifelong friendships, and remained steadfastly devoted to her mother and best friend, Patricia. Susan changed countless lives through her work as a speech pathologist. She loved rescuing animals and supporting CARES in Clarksdale, and she was eternally devoted to her extended family at St. George’s Episcopal Church. Throughout her life, she instilled in her boys lessons of kindness and generosity, but she was also a strong and fierce role model and advocate. An unshakably determined force, Susan showed her sons a woman can do anything. Mama will be forever missed, but her smile, her laugh, her wit, and her love will always be etched in our memories, and her impact will be with us all for generations. She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Cruse; and her father, Fred Cruse. She is survived by her sons, Robert Burkes of Memphis, Tenn., and Andrew Burkes of Jackson; daughters Stephanie Burkes of Memphis, Tenn., and Claire Burkes of Jackson; granddaughters Rosaleigh, Lily, and Gigi; and sisters Debbie Brunt, Karen Corley, and Harriet Allen of Clarksdale. A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 21st at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clarksdale. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home is handling arrangements. The family asks any memorials be made to CARES at 1645 Desoto Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, or to Sunflower Landing / Fairland at P.O. Box 1046, Clarksdale, MS 38614.
