Claire Doran Thompson

Claire’s life was lived in kindness, support and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and found much comfort in her rosary in her final months.

As a child of the depression, she and her older sister Jeanne were uprooted many times throughout their childhood as their father searched for work. The family eventually ended up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It was here that she met her husband James and they married on June 17, 1950 in the Chapel on the Hill in Oak Ridge. Jim started working in the aerospace industry and they raised their five children in various spots around the country, including Cincinnati, Ohio, Brigham City, Utah, Huntsville, Alabama, Houston, Texas, and finally Atlanta, Georgia, where they lived for over 35 years.

While raising her children, Claire was able to complete her college education at Athens College in Athens, Alabama, and her Masters at Emory University in Atlanta. She was a teacher and school administrator for many years, mainly in Decatur, Georgia.

Claire loved to travel and took family members on trips to London, Paris, and other European cities. She had a special trip to Australia with her eldest grandson. It was a trip they both treasured. As the family grew and spread apart, she loved to host family reunions and get togethers, including tailgates at Auburn University and Christmas celebrations at Callaway Gardens.

When her husband passed away in 2009 (after 59 years of marriage), Claire moved to Pelham to be near her daughter and her children. Here she made many close friends and thoroughly enjoyed her retirement. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, serving for a time as a minister to the sick. She was part of the volunteer auxiliary for Shelby Baptist Hospital and a member of the Red Hats Society. She also enjoyed her time playing bridge, reading at the elementary school and partaking in various activities at the Pelham Senior Center.

Claire is survived by her five children, Pamela Dunn, Janet Wilson (Sparky), Jim Thompson (Debbie), Patrick Thompson (Eleanor) and Katie Heusel; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Claire was predeceased by her husband; her parents; her sister, Jeanne Doran; and her son-in-law, Chris Heusel.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff of Expect Care Hospice for their excellent care these past three months, and to her wonderful friends, Barbara Clark, Corky Long, Eunice Stagner, Loretta Barber, Toni Ciccone, Angie Giardina, Peggy Powell, and Shirley Perry for their love and support.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Birmingham, Alabama, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch will follow at the church. Claire loved bright and happy colors, so please honor her by wearing something colorful to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1 Metroplex Drive, Suite 230, Birmingham, AL 35209 in honor of Claire's daughter, Janet Wilson. Visit www.alz.org/al/donate to give online.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Claire Doran Thompson's page at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the family.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind blow at your back. May the sun shine warmly on your face. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Amen.

Granny, we love you!