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Delta State Mourns the Passing of Alumna Barbara “Babs” Clark, 75

By August 7, 2019Alumni, Athletics

Delta State University alumna Barbara “Babs” Clark passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. She was 75. Delta State will fly the school flag at half-staff on Friday, Aug. 9, in memory of her.

A native of Drew, Miss., she was the daughter of the late William Harrison Walker Sr. and Ernestine Bishop Walker. She was a graduate of Drew High School and Delta State University. She lived in Vicksburg from 1969 to 1983 and taught English at Warren Central High School. She resided in Cleveland, Miss., from 1983 to 2003, working as the guidance counselor at Drew High School.

Clark was an avid sports fan and was her husband, Lloyd Clark’s biggest supporter during his 19-year tenure as women’s basketball coach at Delta State (1983-2002). His tenure included 12 Gulf South Conference championships and five conference Coach of the Year awards. The basketball court in Walter Sillers Coliseum is named after him, among his many other honors.

She returned to Vicksburg in 2003, following her retirement, to be closer to her grandchildren. In addition to spending time with her grandchildren, she enjoyed reading, traveling, and shopping with friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Clark was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Walker. She is survived by her husband of 57 years; two sons, Scottie Clark and Brady Clark (Ana), both of Vicksburg; a brother, William H. “Rip” Walker, Jr. (Emmye) of Hernando; and four grandchildren: Walker Clark, Will Clark, Connor Clark, and Katelyn Clark. She will be immensely missed by family and numerous friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 at Riles Funeral Home. Visitation will be from noon until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.