Myra Clark Markham

Mrs. Myra Clark Markham died May 13, 2023, at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham, NC.

She was the daughter of Charlie C. Clark and Lyda Ruth Shaw Clark, and was the widow of Felix Donaldson Markham, III to whom she was married in 1967.

Mrs. Markham graduated as valedictorian from Lowes Grove High School. She attended Duke University where she met and married the late James Campbell Smith. Their son, Richard Alan Smith was the light of her life until his death in 2003. With the exception of a brief period of time during WWII and the Korean War when she lived in Norfolk, VA, Huntington, W. VA and Stonington Village, CT, she lived in Durham. In her early adult years, she was employed by the U.S. Government and the NC Department of Public Health.

Mrs. Markham was a homemaker who immersed herself in numerous community volunteer activities. She was a founding member of the Historic Preservation Society of Durham (President) and was recipient of its Bartlett Durham Award. Other organizations included the Historic Stagville Foundation (President), Stagville Association (President), DAR, UDC, NC Society Dames of the Court of Honor, Brightleaf Girl Scout Council, ACS, Durham Chapter of the NC Symphony (President), Old North Durham and Hope Valley Schools PTA (President), Driftwood Garden Club (President) and the Durham Council of Garden Clubs (President). Through her love of flowers she became a nationally accredited Flower Show Judge and enjoyed statewide friendships with fellow gardeners and judges.

In 1984 Mrs. Markham was appointed by Governor James B. Hunt to the Historic Hillsborough Commission. In 1985 she was appointed to the first of several terms to the Durham Historic District Commission where she was elected chair. She was a member of Croasdaile Country Club, Duke Campus Club and the Half Century Club. Mrs. Markham was an avid golfer and tennis player, participating in competitions locally and statewide.

In addition to her parents, her husband and son, she was predeceased by her sister, Shirley Clark Graham, and two brothers, Charlie C. Clark, Jr. and Joseph Elton Clark.

She is survived by her stepson, Felix D. Markham, IV (Mary Beth), Durham: sisters Ruth Jane Clark Roycroft, Durham; Nancy Clark Sturgill, Lexington, Kentucky; Julia Clark Cook, Asheville; and brother C. Randall Clark (Bobbie), Durham. Grandchildren include Andrew Smith, Mountain View, California and Jodi Smith, Harrison, Arkansas. Step grandchildren include Andrew Markham (Kelly), Holly Springs and Alicia Markham Morris (David), Cary. Step great granddaughters include Katie Markham, Alice Morris and Lily Morris. Nieces include Joyce Clark Ragan, Raleigh; Jane Brasier (Chris), Durham; Jan Amos (Lee), Lexington, Kentucky and Laura Neves (Ed), Asheville. Nephews include Rodney Roycroft, Pensacola, Florida and Todd Clark (Jean) Oak Ridge, North Carolina and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Mrs. Markham was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Durham where she served on the Administrative Board, the Archives and History Committee, and sang in the choir.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., in Maplewood Cemetery - Annex B, Section 13.

Memorials may be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church, 215 North Church Street, Durham NC, 27701, or to Preservation Durham, P.O. Box 25411, Durham, NC, 27702.