Marion P. Clark Obituary (1924 - 2017)

Marion P. Clark, 92, of Taylorville passed away at 12:14 A.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born on September 1, 1924 in Grand Tower, Illinois, the daughter of Elbert L. and Lola (Wilson) Poe. She married Cyrus F. Clark on October 26, 1946 and he preceded her in death on January 6, 1981. Marion was a World War II Veteran of the AAF/WAC. She was a lifetime member of the AMVETS and American Legion and a charter member of Women in Military Service for America. She was also a member of the Womens Army Corps Veterans Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She earned a Bachelors Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Marion taught school for many years in Sikeston, Missouri in the gifted program, and special education in Cobden and Taylorville. She was a Director Emeritus of the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation. She enjoyed playing Bridge and was a voracious reader, always keeping up on current events. She enjoyed basketball and football and for many years kept the clock for Jr. High boys basketball games. She often enjoyed placing wagers on ballgames, but the bet was always a Coke. Marion loved her sweets, especially cheesecake and Lorna Doone cookies, and would often eat only part of her meal to ensure room for dessert. She is survived by her daughters: Margaretha Strawn (Thomas) of Taylorville and Jenness Starks (John) of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren: Thomas C Strawn (companion, Barb Magness) of Taylorville, Amy M. Strawn of Springfield, Annie Dolan (Kevin) of Seattle, Washington, and William C. Starks (Sara) of Seattle; great grandchildren: Marshal Tucker Strawn, Daniel Dolan, William Dolan, and Henry Starks; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 4 brothers and 3 sisters. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 11, 2017 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with military honors. Visitation will be held from 10 until the time of the service. Inurnment will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 13, 2017 at Walker Hill Cemetery in Grand Tower. A luncheon will follow the inurnment on Monday at the Grand Tower Community Center. Memorials may be made to the Taylorville Junior High School c/o the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.