Claire Davis Smith

Claire Davis Smith, 94, passed away on May 16, 2014 at home with her family by her side. She was born May 5, 1920 in Moultrie Georgia to Usher T. Davis, Sr. and Ada Spires Davis. Claire was educated in the public school system in Colquitt County and was crowned Miss Moultrie High School upon graduation. She majored in music, at Shorter College, where she served as a vocal instructor for a year after her graduation. Claire later accepted a scholarship to study voice at Julliard in New York. During World War II she held a war related job at Spence Field where she met and married John Franklin “Jack” Thompson and they were stationed in both Florida and Texas. Returning to Atlanta after the war Claire began what would become a lifelong affiliation with the Girl Scouts by leading Troop 68. Jack re-enlisted in the Air National Guard and was killed in action in Korea. Claire then returned to her teaching career this time as music teacher for Northside High School and also returned to her volunteer work with Girl Scouts. Apart from the troop, she was busy creating the Atlanta Girl Scout Chorus. Claire directed Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from all over the world as they performed at the Girl Scout Chalet in Switzerland. Later she would be known as “Lark” as she became the Volunteer member of the trio called the Piper program and her white gloved hands directed songs at National Girl Scout Conventions and gatherings for many years. In 1953 she went on a blind date with John Lucian (Luke) Smith, they married 4 months later in New York City. Luke's career path with The Coca Cola Company took them to New Hampshire, back to Atlanta and to Houston to head up the Food Division, before returning to Atlanta to become President of Coca Cola in the 1970’s. After Luke's death in 1980, Claire began to spend her time focusing on her community interests, including the Iris Garden Club and helped develop the Gift Shop at Shepherd Spinal Clinic. She later served as President of Shepherd Auxiliary, served on the Auxiliary Board of Piedmont Hospital served on Regional Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Directors. She served on Arthritis Association Board, Heart Association chairing the Heart Ball several times and the Legendary Ball for the Shepherd Center as well as serving as Piedmont Ball, co chair. Claire was on the 11 Alive Community Service Awards Board of Governors for many years and she was an honorary member of the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Claire served on the Senior Citizen Services and chaired the fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. She was a charter member of the “Moultrie Mafia”, a loosely held social club for Moultrie’s Atlanta transplants. She remained active with the Girl Scouts through work with the local Girl Scouts council, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. For more than 65 years, Claire served in every capacity from Troop Leader to Board Member Emeritus, a title she held until her death. Over the years she received Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II (Girl Scout’s Highest Volunteer Award). She is a lifetime member and a Juliette Low Associate and was a sustaining contributor to the Annual Fund. In 2012, the year of the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Claire Smith is predeceased by her “oldest baby brother” Usher Thomaston (Bill) Davis, Jr. of Pensacola, FL and survived by her daughter, Susan Peyton Smith of Sandy Springs, son Daniel Davis Smith (Barbara) of Roswell, and grandchildren Lee, Sara, Lucian and Charlotte Smith. She is also survived by her brother G. Grady Davis (Jo Ann) of Hideaway Texas, sisters in law Kathryn Maxwell Davis of Pensacola, FL and Sophia Smith Van Arsdell of Urbana, IL. A visitation will be held Friday, May 23rd from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Services will be Saturday, May 24th at 11:00 am both to take place at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. 5601 North Allen Road, Mableton, GA 30126

or The Shepherd Spinal Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309