Clare O'Brien Dodd

Clare Ann O'Brien Dodd, daughter of John J. A. O'Brien and Ida Kathleen (Clare) of England, died at her home at Carlyle Place, Macon, Georgia, on April 22, 2025, at the age of 100. A graveside service is scheduled for 12:00 noon Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Walhalla, South Carolina, conducted by her grandson, Coleman Collins.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Richard (Dick), her son, Brendan, and her siblings, Kay Morrhall and Tom O'Brien. She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Tomlinson (Vic), Kathleen Collins (Brad), and Sean Norman (Dick), eleven grandchildren, Richard Fair Tomlinson (Lindsey), Clare Tomlinson Woodeshick, Stephen Kell Tomlinson, William O'Brien Tomlinson (Xochitl), John Coleman Collins (Elizabeth), Frank Strother Collins (Sylvia), James Bradford Collins (Kayla), Virginia Ann Norman Purvis (Jake), Richard Illges Norman, Jr. (Sally), John O'Brien Norman, Savannah Danielle Day Dodd (Chris Jenkins) and seventeen great-grandchildren, Patrick Fair Tomlinson, Adelaide Ann 0'Brien Woodeshick, Liam Glenn Woodeshick, Margaret Kathleen Woodeshick, Anne Kathleen Collins, Rose Eloise Collins, John Daniel Collins, Sarah Elizabeth Collins, John Victor O Brien Tomlinson, Bernadette Clare Consuelo Tomlinson, Vincent Ambrose Huerta Tomlinson, James Henry Purvis, Virginia Dodd Purvis, George Francis Purvis, Margaret Lucille Norman, Richard Illges Norman, III, and William Gordy Norman.

Clare was born in Yorkshire, England; after her marriage in 1950, she came to her husband's home in Marshallville, Georgia, where they lived until his death in 1995. She brought her English charm to rural Georgia, and she and her husband often entertained writers and professors from Dick's wide circle of literary friends. He introduced her to quail hunting, and she spent many hours following his field trial dogs on horseback. Dick was also an avid camellia enthusiast and grower, and Clare shared this passion, spending years alongside him helping to plant and cultivate thousands of seedlings amongst the pine trees in the woods behind their home. After his death, she was very active in volunteering at the American Camellia Society headquarters at Massee Lane, as well as helping to maintain the camellia garden at their farm in Marshallville, until her declining health prevented it. When Carlyle Place opened in 2000, Clare became one of the first residents, and remained there until her death. She enjoyed the company of many new friends, particularly Muriel Nathan, Leila Holmes, Ann Oxley, Eleanor McGarity, Betty Pettis, and Emily Bredeson, as well as Sue Ballard, who managed her financial matters. She took pleasure in attending theater, opera, classical music performances, and playing bridge, as well as traveling to visit her family in England, which she did often. She was known for her gracious personality, and for her indomitable spirit and determination.

Clare had numerous health problems in her later years, which she faced with fortitude and without complaint. During that time, she had devoted caregivers, most especially her daughter, Kathleen, who shouldered the responsibility for her many needs tirelessly, valiantly, and with great compassion. The ladies who assisted her in this selfless work were, Shirley Jones, Laverne Prater, Sharon Sellars, Tanuneka Duncan, Equince Wilson, Sabrina Davis, and Shenerika Fuller. She also had the support of a dedicated medical staff, especially Erin Cares, RN, FNP; Dr. Julius B. Elmore; and Kayla Lovett, NP.

She leaves behind a large and loving family and will be buried at her husband's family's gravesite in Walhalla.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia.