WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Wayne County Commissioner Irma Clark-Coleman has died.
Clark-Coleman was serving her sixth term on the Wayne County Commission, District 5, after assuming office in 2010.
Prior to her time as commissioner, she served in the Michigan State Senate, 3rd District, for eight years. She also served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives for District 11.
She moved to Detroit from Georgia, where she attended Pershing High School. She was the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Wayne State University.
Her time working for the county began back in 1967 when she worked for the Wayne County Road Commission in an entry-level position. She rose through the ranks to assistant public information director. She later served as media relations director for County Executive Bill Lucas and Press Secretary to County Executive Ed McNamara.
In 1998, she retired as a human relations director and moved to the Michigan Legislature. She also served on the Detroit School Board for the last seven of her 31 years with the county, the last three years as president.
She was also a life member of the NAACP, Living Water Church Board member, Alpha Rho Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and more.
Her family announced her passing on June 11, 2025. She was 88 years old.
“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,” Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said. “Our hearts are heavy and they go out to her family.”
“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. My thoughts are with Irma’s family and her countless other friends at this difficult time.
Rest well, my friend."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
“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.”
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans