BIOGRAPHY

Icie Clark was born in Ruddle, Pendleton County, West Virginia, on 19 March 1907, to parents John McClure Hedrick (1877–1966) and Frances Gertrude “Fannie” Hedrick (1881–1975). She had eight siblings: Alton Parker Hedrick (1904–1933), Ina Hartman, Eula Mae Kimble (1911–2007), Nellie Grace Galippo (1914–2002), Mary Geneva Thompson (1917–2018), Madeline Whitecotton, Lucy Pauline Waggy (1925–2022), and John Worth Hedrick (1929–2004). Her distinctive name, Icie, was reportedly somewhat common in her birthplace, as others in Reeds Creek also shared it. It was chosen by her uncle, though no one in the family knew the reason behind it.

On 12 October 1943, at 36, she married Waldo Walter Clark (1900–1962). After marrying, she and her husband moved to Swissvale, where he worked at Union Switch and Signal. They raised two children, Jean McDonough and Richard Clark.

At 105, she enjoyed word-search puzzles, bingo, and weekly Bible meetings. Her favorite television show was reruns of The Lawrence Welk Show. A skilled crocheter, she crafted numerous afghans for her family and enjoyed reading novels and magazines. At 110, whenever she could, she also loved playing bingo.

Icie Clark passed away at the LGAR Health and Rehabilitation Center in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, USA, on 4 August 2019, at the age of 112 years, 138 days. She was survived by her two children, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Madeline Whitecotton and Pauline Waggy.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of Lucille Treccase (18 October 1905 – 31 August 2018), she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, at the age of 111 years, 165 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Marion Roth.

Clark’s age was validated by the GRG on 20 June 2019.

ATTRIBUTION

* “105 years calls for a birthday party” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 22 March 2012

* “Icie Clark celebrates birthday No. 110” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5 April 2017

* Obituary of Icie M. Clark – Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home Inc.

* Icie Marguerite Hedrick Clark – Find A Grave

GALLERY