Clara Jean Caldwell

Clara Jean Hoile Caldwell (Claire), 92, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, an only child, to Harry William Hoile, advertising executive, and Marietta Borden Hoile, Red Cross Volunteer, on July 5, 1929 - a year that marked the end of the Roaring Twenties, the Wall Street Crash, and the beginning of the 10-year worldwide Great Depression. She died peacefully at home in Birmingham on March 8, 2022 due to old age and congestive heart failure.

A graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Southern Heritage Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Rd., Pelham, AL 35124.

Named for two aunts, Clara Jean preferred in later life to be called Claire. She attended Ramsay High School and majored in Art at Auburn University. In 1954 she married Sam Y. Caldwell, Jr., an Alabama Power Company engineer who helped design the state's original transmission line network. They were married for 58 years and she lived 10 years as a widow. She was a devoted mother to her three children, guiding us with unwavering love and support. We are deeply grateful for Mom's enduring presence in our lives and we will miss her.

While Logan Martin Dam was under construction in the early 1960s, Claire and Sam worked together to found the Birmingham Sailing Club, organizing a small group of sailors and hosting the early formative meetings in their home. The group purchased property on the lake and, by the time the lake filled, had

constructed a clubhouse, launching ramps, and docks - infrastructure enjoyed by members today.

A highly creative artist, Claire was particularly recognized for her beautiful watercolor landscape paintings. For many years she had a studio named Arts Unlimited, "above the shoe repair shop" in Crestline Village, where she produced bespoke works in various media.

Claire was curious about many things and a lifelong student of music, theater, history, and genealogy. She passionately loved travel - particularly in sight of water. She cruised frequently and extensively in the Americas and Europe and kept detailed journals of each adventure.

Survivors include son, Samuel Y. Caldwell III (Cindy) of Huntsville, Alabama; daughter, Marietta Caldwell Williams (David) of Birmingham; son, Robert W. Caldwell of Birmingham; grandson, Paul Benjamin Howard (Johanna Vandemoortele) of Belgium; granddaughters, Lindsay Angeline Howard Mandal (Jay) of Los Angeles, California, and Lindsey Renee Williams Nenert (Rodolphe) of Birmingham; six great-grandchildren; and dear friend, Mary Tom Stubbs.

The family is especially grateful to Hope Haines, Dana Cotney, and Sherry Holloway, the wonderful Encompass Hospice nurses whose support enabled us to keep Mom comfortable at home.

The family invites those who would like to honor Claire's memory to make a gift to your favorite charity, spread joy in the world, and send flowers to people you

love.