Marva Ann Clinkscales, was born to the parents of the late Rev. John Elige Young Sr. and Lela (Singleton) Young  on July 27, 1940 in Beavers Falls, Pa.  Marva was the 5th child out of 10 children from this union.  With her family she attended Christ Temple Church of God In Christ in Beaver Falls where Elder Pitts was pastor.

Marva’s father was a butcher at Lugers Quality Meats, the owner of a candy store and the master of barbeque and smoked meats on the hill. Her mother was not only a housewife but also a true missionary at heart who cared for just about everyone. From their attention to the needs of others, a heart to serve God and their strength despite difficult hardships, Marva received a foundation that prepared her for a beautiful life.

Marva was a Graduate of Beaver Falls High School. Did you know she was even offered a scholarship to college? However, her father had recently passed away, and she chose to stay close to her family. With the help of her sister Emma, she began working at Providence Hospital’s Maternity Ward in their Newborn Nursery.

As a young lady, she became more confident in her ability as a singer. During her childhood, her father would often say, “Marv-Ann! Stop that singing and go to sleep!” Little did she know that her voice would be used not only for her personal worship and relationship with God, but it would also be used as an instrument to lead others closer to Christ. She joined her aunt, her sisters and her cousins in a musical group known as the Singleton Sisters. They sang in many cities in Pennsylvania and Ohio and they were even blessed to open up for popular artists such as Shirley Caesar. Music was her passion, joy and peace. She sang each day. Her children recall her playing records everyday and taught them to sing as well. She enjoyed such many musical artists and styles from Mattie Moss Clark to Commissioned to Maverick City.

In 1962 she met a dashing gentleman from Youngstown, OH who served in the United States Marine Corp and who was attending Youngstown State University. Like Marva, young Caleb Clinkscales had also given his life to Christ. One day he attended a concert and saw a beautiful young woman who caught his eye and enraptured his heart. “I knew she was going to be my wife,” he often said as he told this story. Before she knew it, Marva Ann Young and Caleb James Clinkscales were joined in holy matrimony. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Marva’s husband found a job as a parole officer at The Adult Parole Authority. After settling in the big city, Caleb and Marva had 3 children: Caleb, Marla and Adelle.

Marva yearned to explore a career as well. Therefore she entered the International Data Processing Institute. Happily she earned a certification in Data Processing in 1969 and began her career with Society National Bank all while taking care of her family.

Marva and her family were honored to serve God faithfully in the city of Cleveland.  As newcomers to Cleveland they attended Parker Memorial COGIC under the late Superintendent Eddie Parker and the church home of her sister-in-law and dear best friend Clara Parker. Here they grew further in the service of God–Caleb accepting his call to preach and Marva as a soloist in music ministry. Years later, they attended Calvary Hill where Marva not only served God in music ministry but she was also appointed as secretary for the late Bishop R.S. Fields. There she remained his secretary until his passing. Elder Caleb and Sister Marva prayed and asked God for direction for a new church home. God led them to Williams Temple COGIC where the late Bishop Warren E. Miller was pastor. Here they witnessed God blessing and leading their children in ministry: Adelle as a flutists, Marla as a choir director and Caleb Jr. who accepted the call to the ministry and met the young lady who enraptured his heart and became his wife Darlene Clinkscales. With God’s guidance and Bishop Miller’s blessing, they began Crown of Life Ministry where Elder Caleb and Mother Marva served faithfully. You could often find Mother Marva saying, “I love the Crown.”

Marva experienced some health challenges. In 1984 while on a church trip to Cedar Point Marva became ill, was hospitalized and was diagnosed with MS. The doctor’s said that her prognosis was poor and that her life expectancy would be shortened. However, the Great Physician’s prognosis was a bit different. His words were, “I am the Lord God that healeth thee.” From this date forward, Marva lived a full life, experiencing many moments in her health history that made doctors scratch their heads and acknowledge the ultimate power of God.. Sickness was not her life’s story. Her story was one of joy, strength and faith. She had faith for every mountain, a song for any situation and an encouraging word for every heart. During the month of April Marva’s health started to decline.  She knew her time was near but said I am not ready to leave my family because I love them.  On May 7, 2023 Marva heard the call of Jesus and responded, Lord, here am I and he rescued her from this old life and ushered her into the next life.

In her lifetime Marva loved traveling, going to the lake, the zoo, the parks and the museums. She enjoyed attending concerts, having church services on the front porch steps with her young children and singing to the glory of God (which often created quite a spectacle for the neighbors’ to see). She was athletic and loved to jog. She could even be found running alongside her children while they rode their Big Wheels and tri-cycles. She loved board games and was known to be quite competitive. In any situation, though joyful or sorrowful, she bring you cheer and even make you laugh.

Her husband, Caleb James Clinkscales preceded her in death along with her sisters Dorothy Davis, Edna Hausser, Laura Phelps, Dora Hobson, Marian Young, Maxine Young, and her brother John Young Jr.

Marva is survived by her son Caleb J. Clinkscales Jr. (Darlene), her daughter Marla Henderson (George), her daughter Adelle Hilliard, her sister Emma Gibson, her brother Elder Robert Young; her grandchildren; Bobby, JeVon, Timothy, George III, Caleb, Marielle, Mykale, Kye, Shey; her great grandchildren Pete, Bobby Jr, Christopher, Alaya, Shaun, Mia, Zoey, Christen, Kayden, Kory: and finally her great great grandchild Aruvi.  She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her church family and friends.

Later in her life, Marva was blessed with more family–angels: Angela, May, Rose, Marthea, Jessica, Misty, Debbie, Matt, the Physcial Therapy Team and the entire family from the Parma Care Center who provided exceptional care and love.

Marva was so grateful for the loving care that her children and family have given her throughout the years.  They have assisted her and have stood by her side with a kind and joyful heart.

This is Marva’s story. This is Marva’s Song. She’ll be praising God forever, all her life long.