Edrice Starks Clark 1925-2024

She was born March 14, 1925, in Youngstown, the daughter of Peter Watkins and Lillie B.Dean Starks.

Beechie was employed with the City of Youngstown for 30 years as the first African American and female tax investigator before retiring in 2001. She was also a life member of the Public Employee Retirees Inc.

She graduated in 1943 from East High School, where she was in the National Honor Society, and attended Youngstown State University. She was a member of Price Memorial AME Zion Church, where she played for the senior choir; was captain of women’s day and a member of the women’s day choir, altar guild and the former stewardess board No. 2; and served as a vacation Bible school musician and chairwoman of the 40th church anniversary.

She belonged to the Tricota Tax Association; was a charter member of the Fidelis Club and the Junior Civic League for 38 years; was a mentor for career development at Youngstown State University; was on the East High class anniversary committee and a Butler Art Institute volunteer; worked in the stars at Sheridan School; was a First Night board member and was presiding judge for the 3rd Ward Precinct T for over 20 years.

Her hobbies included traveling — she visited Hong Kong, Cario, Egypt, Madrid, France, Brazil and Rome — playing bridge and spending time with her family.

She married Henry Clark on June 28, 1947; he died April 17, 1979.

She leaves to mourn one daughter, Ms. Darnelle Yvette Clark-Kirksey of Youngstown; one son, Jeffrey H. (Wanda) Clark Sr. of Warren; three grandchildren, Ms. Antoinette Renee Clark of Kent, Ms. Darnelle Anastasia Clark and Jeffrey H. Clark Jr., both of Warren; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Herman Pete Starks; and two sisters, Rose V. “Doll” Black and Bernice Starks.

Funeral services will be held at noon, with calling hours 11 a.m. to noon, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Price Memorial AME Zion Church.

Burial will take place in Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Home.

(special notice)