Clare Judith Thomson-Smith

Born June 25, 1957 in Hong Kong, Clare’s childhood was spent living at various military postings in South East Asia with her British military family, while attending boarding school in England.

In 1968 the family emigrated to Australia where Clare completed her schooling and began nursing training in 1975. Clare embraced life in Australia and always looked forward to returning to visit family and friends, which she did regularly over the years.

After completing her nursing training in Canberra and Brisbane, Australia, Clare worked as a midwife on Thursday Island and then took a position in Saudi Arabia in 1981 where she met her American husband Ray Oscar Smith. Together they travelled extensively before returning to the United States.

Clare built a life defined by determination, intellect and service. Her academic career started with a Bachelor of Science Nursing, followed by a Master’s degree, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner and a post-Masters in Hospital Administration. She then went on to complete Doctorate of Jurisprudence Law at Vanderbilt University and worked as an attorney with Gideon & Wiseman.

After returning to nursing, she served as Director of Advanced Practice Nursing and Allied Health at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and as an Assistant Dean and Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.

Clare was devoted, hardworking and elegant, she will be remembered for the steady grace with which she cared for others throughout her life. Her presence, strength and generous spirit will be deeply missed and long remembered.

A visitation will be held on March 31, 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm with funeral service to follow at Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home, 201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203.