Pearl Irene Clark, age 87 of Marietta and formerly of Gallipolis, passed away Friday June 5, 2026. Born June 19, 1938 in Hocking County, OH she was the daughter of the late John and Nora Taylor Bigham.

Irene grew up in Hocking County and graduated from Logan High School with the class of 1956. She attended Ohio University for two years and taught the following two years. She graduated from Ohio University later.

James Clark and Irene Bigham were married on August 28, 1959. Three children were born to this union. Elizabeth Irene, Kenneth James and Rebecca Lynn.

Irene lived most of her life in Gallia County where she served as a Girl Scout leader, taught school, taught Sunday School, and did various other types of volunteer work. She enjoyed keeping busy and hobbies included photography, genealogy and computer work. She loved children and assisted with Sunday school and helping children with their reading at the grade school.

Irene loved to travel and felt blessed to see so much of God’s creation. She and her husband visited all 50 states. She traveled with tour guides and these trips took her to faraway places. The latest trip was to Israel to the Holy Land. This was a fulfillment of her dreams to walk where Jesus walked.

While living in Gallipolis, she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, the Gallia County Retired Teachers Association, and the Gallia County Senior Citizens. She became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Waverly in 2014.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, John and Nora Bigham, her daughter, Elizabeth, brother, Russell, and sisters, Lizzie Bigham and Ann Wolfe.

She is survived by, her husband, James, son, Kenneth, daughter, Rebecca and two grandsons, Nate and Ethan Clark.

Memorial services will be 1:30 PM Friday June 19, 2026 at Grace Methodist Church with Pastors Ray Kane and Kandi Nuce officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 1:00 PM till the time of service.

Waugh-Halley-Wood funeral home is assisting the family.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com