Claire Early Love

Claire Early Love, affectionately known as "Mimi," died at the age of 92, on February 19, 2020. Claire was born in Birmingham, AL, to Clyde Tyson Early and Douglas Jubal Early, on September 18, 1927. She attended Ramsey High School and later was employed by U.S. Steel, where her father had worked from the age of nine until his retirement in 1961. In 1976, Claire met and married Louie L. Love, each proving a blessing to the other. It was then she joined Trinity United Methodist Church, which she loved and served the remainder of her life. Claire was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Douglas J. (Jimmy) Early, Jr., and his wife, Carolyn T. Early; her elder son, J. Dallam (Dal) Martin; and her husband of 37 years, Louie L. Love. She is survived by five children: Linda Martin Stewart, David M. Martin (Carolyne), Thomas B. Love, Jean L. Dunlea (Jim), and Robert L. Love (Jane); 12 grandchildren: Judson K. Stewart, Kathrine S. Gannon, Betts M. Johnson, Melissa M. Goggans (Randy), Sara Claire M. Ballard (Matthew), Kimberly A. Love, Kristen L. Tortorici (Michael) , Daniel L. Price (Crystal), Marta P. Hammonds (Hunter), Heather L. Billeaud (Neil), J. Clayton Kimbrough (Cassie), and M. Jared Love (Jeanne Anne); three nephews: Douglas J. Early (Ginny), J. Andrew Early (Jeanine), and R. Todd Early (Denise); 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members. To have known Claire was to have known goodness and kindness. She thought always of others before herself, and she embodied "love," which she gave and received wherever she went for the duration of her life. Claire will be sorely missed by all those whose lives she touched. Visitation is scheduled for noon on Monday, February 24, at Trinity United Methodist Church, with a celebration of life service to follow, beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to Trinity United Methodist Church (1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209) or the Wounded Warrior Project (Box 758518, Topeka, KS 66675). The family would like to thank Saundra Dansby, Harriett Hudson, Debra Reynolds, Sheila Sullivan, and Comfort Care Hospice for their devoted and compassionate care