There's no automated way to convert clip to timeline markers AFAIK.
Timeline markers are not clip-linked. They are static. So, if you cut a clip, the timeline marker stays in the original location.
Clip markers, on the other hand stay with the clip so, no matter where you place the clip in the timeline, the marker moves with it.
Why can you not work in the timeline and keep the Markers Window active?
Also, hovering the mouse over a marker will display the text.
NB: If you're using CC and CC 2014, you can set custom overlays to display clip markers in the Program Monitor.