Doris J. Clark's Obituary
Doris Janell Hayes-Clark 8/18/1960 – 3/19/2020
Doris was born in Tacoma, Washington to Dave and Mildred Hayes and was a lifetime member of Tacoma’s Shiloh Baptist Church.
She graduated from Foss High School where she was a cheerleader. Doris attended Tacoma Community College and Graduated from Evergreen State College with a bachelor’s in liberal arts degree.
Doris is a former Miss Washington (1980) and top 10 finalist in the Miss America pageant where she won the preliminary talent award. She was the first African American to win the title of Miss Washington. Doris was blessed with an epic voice which allowed her to tour worldwide and open shows for the late Sammy Davis Jr., Ben Vereen, sing the Anthem for the Sonics and at various Miss America and other qualifying pageants.
Doris Learned to sing from her mother Mildred Hayes. She would hear her sing at church and around the house while doing housework or cooking. She began to sing along with her eventually discovering after learning to play the piano and organ that Mom was a Soprano and she was an Alto. She then began to harmonize with Mom while singing along.
Doris continued her involvement in the Miss America organization by serving as Executive Director of the Miss Pierce County Scholarship Program and serving as a mentor to many other Miss Washington’s that followed her.
Doris’ career was quite diverse. She has been A Flight Attendant, Municipal Corrections Officer, Federal Corrections Officer, Pierce County Sherriff. She even toured as a singer and dancer in Las Vegas styled shows. Eventually Doris gravitated to Human Resources where she served most of her working life as a Generalist, Trainer, and Executive Recruiter for the financial, hospitality, and aerospace industries as well as military personnel separating from the Armed Forces.
She is survived by former husband Charles Clark (Mary), Son Charles Clark II of Tacoma, and Siblings Davida Franks-Matthews (Malcolm) Portland, OR, Marcus Hayes (Valerie) Lewisville, TX, David Stubblefield (Elizabeth) Kent, WA, Calvin Stubblefield Wilsonville, OR, Michael Stubblefield (Linda) Parkland, WA, David Hayes (Ruby) Tacoma, WA, Greg Hayes (Raquel) Tacoma, WA, George Hayes (Rita) Tacoma, WA and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Doris is preceded in death by her Parents Dave and Mildred Hayes, Sister Delisa Hayes and Brother Curtis Hayes (Blanche).
The family would like to thank the many, many people that have offered their blessings, salutations and fond memories of Doris. A Celebration of Doris’ life will be announced for a later date this year
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