Irma Clark-Coleman didn’t campaign for power. She built it quietly, through years of tireless service rooted in Detroit’s neighborhoods, shaped by experience, and driven by principle. She passed away June 11, 2025, at the age of 88, after a brief illness. The community she served, protected, and empowered now carries her absence with reverence.
Her public service career stretched across decades, but it was never about resume-building. She entered county government in 1967, starting in an entry-level role at the Wayne County Road Commission. She rose to assistant public information director and later became media relations director for County Executive William Lucas and press secretary to Executive Ed McNamara. She retired in 1998 as human relations director.
Her second career began where most end. She transitioned into elected office, serving two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and eight years in the Michigan Senate. She authored legislation to ease adoption and foster care placements for family members. She pushed for stronger high school graduation standards. On the Senate Appropriations Committee, she ensured state budgets responded to real community needs.
In 2010, Clark-Coleman returned to Wayne County government as a commissioner representing District 6. She was in her sixth term when she passed. She chaired the Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary and Homeland Security, and led the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Her work shaped how jails were operated and how public safety was delivered across the county.
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans remembered her legacy with deep respect: “I was so sad to learn that Commissioner Irma Clark-Coleman passed away. Irma was a tremendous public servant who served her community with relentless dedication and integrity for six terms as a representative of Wayne County’s District 5 after serving in the Michigan State Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives. Irma and I worked together for years going back to the ‘90s in the McNamara administration. Her life was all about helping others, and her impact improved the lives of literally thousands. She will be sorely missed and difficult, if not impossible, to replace. My sincere condolences go out to her family as well as her colleagues and constituents.”
Commission Chair Alisha Bell added, “Irma brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to every role she filled and she will be profoundly missed by her constituents, her fellow commissioners and the many people whose lives she touched. Our hearts are heavy and they go out to her family.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said, “I was terribly saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and dedicated public servant, Irma Clark-Coleman. Irma spent her entire professional career in service to others, from her early years at the Wayne County Road Commission and press secretary for Ed McNamara, to her impressive second career as an elected Detroit School Board member, State Representative, State Senator and, most recently, Wayne County Commissioner. I’ve never met anyone as driven to be of service than Irma and she leaves with us a legacy that demonstrates her commitment.”
Gospel artist, J. Moss shared the family’s announcement: “With the humble acceptance of God’s Will, we announce the transition of our beloved mother, Wayne County Commissioner and Living Waters Church Mother Irma Clark-Coleman on June 10, 2025. She will be greatly missed by her loving family, close friends, professional colleagues and those in the communities she diligently served. Let us be intentional in fervent prayer for the family as we solicit the gift of God’s peace and comfort during this delicate time. Final arrangement information for celebration and services will soon. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU MOM.”
Clark-Coleman never detached herself from community realities. She led annual holiday Turkey Dinner giveaways for families across her district. She was known for meeting people where they were and making sure they were seen.
She also served on the Detroit School Board for seven years, three as president. She was a member of the Detroit Wayne County Metro Airport Authority. She remained active with Living Waters Church in Redford Township, where her daughter, Pastor Melaine Moss, and son-in-law, gospel artist J. Moss, lead ministry.
She was a life member of the NAACP. She held membership in the Alpha Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her accolades included the 2005 Legislator of the Year Award from the Michigan School Social Workers Association and a 2016 Women of Excellence Award from the Michigan Chronicle.
She graduated from Pershing High School and was the first in her family to graduate college. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wayne State University.
Clark-Coleman’s death leaves a seat to be filled, but her presence cannot be replaced. Her work was layered, consistent, and never performative. She lived the values she legislated.
An announcement regarding the selection of a new commissioner will be forthcoming.
Final arrangements will be announced by the family. Until then, her name is held in gratitude by the city she never left behind.
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