She earned her undergraduate degree from North Texas University in Denton, graduated from Mary Hardin Baylor and received a Master's degree in Counseling at UTSA. Until her retirement in May 2000, she worked as a Special Education Teacher, School Counselor and Speech Therapist.
Claire loved travel, fine jewelry, eloquent clothing and good food. She was an avid reader, appreciated music, art and history.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clayton McElhany and Lucy Dee Owen McElhany; sister, Marjorie Celia "Tela" Etie, and her son, William Chandler Parker III.
She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Kennedy; daughter, Paige Olfers and husband, David; granddaughters: Lindsey and Allison Olfers; stepchildren: David Kennedy; Dana K. Rice and husband, Larry.
