VICKSBURG, Miss. - Barbara "Babs" Clark, the wife of Lady Statesmen basketball coaching legend Lloyd Clark and one of the program's greatest supporters, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 4, 2019. She was 75.

"We are deeply saddened at the loss of Babs Clark and extend our condolences and prayers to the family at this time," Mike Kinnison, Director of Athletics, said. "Babs was always at the center of Lady Statesmen basketball during Lloyd's 19 seasons as head coach and she played such a large role in the successes of the program on and off the court. She will be truly missed."

A native of Drew, Mrs. Clark 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, where she taught English at Warren Central High School. She resided in Cleveland, MS from 1983 to 2003, where she worked as the Guidance Counselor at Drew High School.

She was an avid sports fan and was her husband, Lloyd Clark's biggest supporter during his tenure as women's basketball coach at Delta State University. She returned to Vicksburg in 2003 following her retirement to be closer to her grandchildren. In addition to spending time with them, Babs enjoyed reading, traveling and shopping with friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Clark was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Walker. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lloyd Clark; 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 on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Riles Funeral Home in Vicksburg. Visitation will be from Noon until the hour of service.

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