Claire had a larger-than-life heart. She spent her days spreading joy to those around her. She loved people well, never hesitating to put a smile on your face and laughter in the air. Claire graduated from Hoover High School in 2017, and then began to pursue Elementary/Special Needs Education at The University of Alabama. Making a point to spread the light and love of the Lord in her every day life, she had a special gift with children. Her compassion was inspiring. Upon being placed as a student-teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and Rise Schools of Tuscaloosa, she went above and beyond to make each child feel loved: they truly mattered to her. Her ability to notice and acknowledge the small details not only made difference in their lives, but each interaction reflected a Christ-like love to the children. She took advantage of the one on one time with each child while doing schoolwork to listen about their day, ask questions, and truly get to know each child. She was so intentional with her interactions with the children that she would even remember their favorite candy, and sneak them a piece the next week. Claire was always convicted by how she wished there was a way for her to do more. She wanted the children to have better supplies, more books to read, art on the walls.. She wanted the children she worked with to have a strong learning environment that would set them up to have a successful education and future.


Having left a mark on our hearts and those of the many children that she served, we would like to honor her legacy on this one year anniversary of her passing through a fund for the benefit of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary.  We believe this would be such a special way to celebrate her life and to give back to the children that she so deeply loved and cared for. We appreciate any contribution and sharing of this message, and we hope you are encouraged to live a life inspired by Claire, with joy in your heart and laughter on your tongue.