Ellen Claire Harrison Papai

She was born on July 12, 1929, in Olive Branch, Mississippi, the daughter of Glenn and Elnora Mills Harrison.

Claire was a graduate of St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, TN. She married Al Papai of Divernon (professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals/Browns and Boston Red Sox). Her parents preceded her in death along with her husband; her brother, Glenn Harrison; and sister, Joanne Veazey. In 1999, she met Lynn Caulk and they spent 18 years together until his death in 2017.

Claire’s professional life began as a nurse at St. John’s Hospital, then Capital Healthcare, then Springfield Clinic. She loved all animals and was a 50-year member of the Animal Protective League, the Women’s Club of Springfield, the St. John’s Samaritans, and the Executive Club. Claire was also a member and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.

She is survived by her niece, Lynn (husband, John) Edwards, nephews, Charles (wife, Carol) Doty and Vance (wife, Tinley) Veazey; four great-nephews; four great-nieces; and two great-great-nieces.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

The family will host a Memorial Gathering at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran, 2477 W. Washington St., Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Greg Busboom officiating.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.