Martha”rita” Nailon was the oldest daughter of six children born to Booker T. and Jessie P. Hayden on December 20, 1947. She was preceded in death by her father, her mother, her brothers, Leon Hayden and Thomas Hayden and her husband Clarence Nailon. Rita departed this life on July 22, 2020, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Rita was a free and giving spirit. She was always ready to help a fellow human-being in any way she could. Although she worked many different jobs throughout her life, she always found time to volunteer to help others that crossed her path. Rita attended Gaines United Methodist church where in her youth she served on the MYF. In her later years she served on the usher board.
Rita dedicated a great portion of her time to working with the ELKS.
She joined I.B.P.O.E of W. in 1976 to the Laura G. Powell Temple #1220. She was the Daughter Ruler for many years. She received her PGDR honors. She belonged to the Southern District Council of Daughters and the Ohio State Association where she held positions as Inner Guard, Past State Presidents 1st. Vice, and The State Directress of Pioneer Fez. She was also a member of the Antler Guard Mack Unit #1. Rita was also very involved in education, she had a passions for Beauty and Talent, and working on youth projects. She was very involved with helping the homeless and she started our Carnival for Families to help the community of Madisonville feed the poor and have Christmas parties for children in need.
Rita leaves to cherish her memories, two sons: Mallory Gordon and Derrick Broach; her sisters, Gwen Laury and Anita Hayden; her brother, Archie Hayden (Elizabeth); her sister-in-law, Mary Jo Hayden; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.