Makiah Clark

On Sept. 20, 2001, the world was blessed with a true fighter, social media queen, and a rap goddess. Makiah was a genuine inspiration and left us in awe by overcoming many chronic health issues. She endured 53 surgeries and procedures during her 20 years of life. It was said by many doctors and specialists in the nation that Makiah was one of a kind.

Every day, she loved spending time with her mother, Barbara Clark. Together, they would spend time eating and listening to music while Makiah did her online shopping. Makiah was never too far from her mom and, when they were away from each other, they were always on the phone. The silence of her mother’s phone is deafening day and night since Makiah has gone. Those of us lucky enough to be her friend on social media are now bored.

She loved hanging out with her friends and family and being on social media. Her true passion was music; her favorite musician was her brother, Jaylon Clark, her hero! Makiah appreciated every opportunity she had to spend time with her nephews, Jaylon Jr. and Jakhari. She was the best aunt they could have ever had.

Makiah was thankful to have her best friend and roommate, Brooklyn Cardwell, in her life. They would spend time bowling, playing darts and pool. They would hang out, have bonfires, and lie around talking and texting together.

The night before Makiah’s passing, Barbara, Brooklyn, and Makiah had to opportunity to talk about everything; of course Kitty was right there too.

Makiah was unable to attend school due to her compromised immune system, but she was wise beyond her years. She was well-versed in reading, writing, and talking some ish. She would conversate with anyone, of any age. She was well known for her amazing sense of humor. She never once complained, no matter what she was going through. She gave everyone happiness and made sure everyone was okay. Makiah was very real and an honest person, she never sugarcoated anything. Those who knew her knew they could talk to her about anything. Makiah always gave her honest opinions and the best advice. Makiah was very fashionable, always had the most up-to-date iPhone accessories and clothes. Makiah loved all her tattoos and planned to get many more.

The family would like to thank the medical professionals who cared for Makiah over the years. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Billings Clinic Pediatrics and Saint Vincent’s Hospital Pediatrics Floor as they provided exceptional care, genuine love, and the upmost support for Makiah. They would also like to thank Dr. Brian Starr, Dr. Paul Kelker, Sarah Blackburn, Mandy Miller, Mandy Kaczmarek, Kory Funk, and all of the other medical professionals that helped in the miracle of Makiah. This last year has been especially difficult for Makiah after she was diagnosed with heart failure after receiving the Covid vaccination.

On April 23, 2022, Makiah decided her body was too tired and she had been fighting for way too long and she gracefully let herself go to fly with the angels just as she had on earth. We ask that her story and strength not be forgotten and will go on to help others.

Makiah is survived by her mother, caretaker, and best friend Barbara Clark and stepfather George; brother Jaylon Clark; sister-in-law Julia LittleWolf; and nephew Jaylon Jr.; stepbrother Ayden; grandparents Randy and Kori Clark; uncle Cy Clark and his children Anthony, Jordan, and Reagan; her sisters, Carmyn, Serenity, Jordan, Khalee; brothers Elijah, Adrian, and Michael; nephew Jakhari; aunts Dominique, Larria, Shaquana, and Miesha; uncles Chis and Markel; her best friend, Brooklyn Cardwell and her son Legacy; aunt Tina Cardwell, all of the Riojas family; her fiancé Isiah Pehringer. Makiah’s lifelong companion and only son “Kitty” gave her a reason to keep going each and every day.

She is preceded in death by her father, Michael Shawn Freeman; her grandmother, Donda Clark; grandma Darlene Johnson; and her great-grandparents Wilbur and Millie Clark.

Services will be held for the celebration of Makiah’s life at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at Harvest Church in the Heights. Makiah will be laid to rest at Mountview Cemetery. Please join the family at the American Legion for food and drink and a balloon release will follow.

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