Claire Harper

HARPER, Claire

Claire Smith Harper, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother "GeeGee", and great-grandmother, died peacefully at home on October 7, 2025, at the age of 91. She had suffered for several years with arthritis and worsening dementia.

Claire was born on December 15, 1933, in Griffin, GA, to Troy J. Smith, Sr. and Claire Burch Smith; she was the younger sister of Troy Smith, Jr. "Troy Boy". Claire had a wonderful childhood growing up in Griffin, graduating from Griffin High School in 1952. Her high school years were highlighted by cheerleading, having fun, and, as a senior, being crowned Miss Maid of Cotton.

At the urging of her father, Claire spent her freshman year at Marjorie Webster in Washington, D.C. She then transferred to the University of Georgia, where she joined Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She graduated in 1956 with a degree in Elementary Education. Her senior year was highlighted by a blind date to the 1956 Masters with James K. Harper Jr. "Jimmy", who would become the love of her life. They married in Griffin on December 27, 1956. During Jimmy's years in the Air Force, they lived in North Carolina, Texas, and New Mexico before moving to Atlanta in 1960.

Claire seemed to always be smiling; she loved having a good time and enjoyed new activities and adventures. People were drawn to her kindness and warmth, a trait she shared with her father.

Her main devotions were always to her faith and family. She was very active in raising her children and rarely missed any of their (or her grandchildren's) activities. Most importantly, she instilled in her family the importance and value of the Catholic Christian faith. She was a parishioner of Christ the King Cathedral for the past 65 years.

Claire and Jimmy were married 67 years, until his death in 2023. Claire was also preceded in death by her parents; and brother. She is survived by her three children: Kel (Beth), Claire (Tracy) Anderson, and Beth (Mike) Fortune; as well as her nephew, Trey Smith; and her niece, Greer Stevens, both of Griffin. In addition, she is survived by ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren (with three on the way!!).

We have all been richly blessed by Claire's life and the time we shared with her.

The family wishes to thank devoted caregivers Anaya Parris, Eric and Johnny Daniel, and others — all from Daniel Companion. We also thank Kirk McMillan and Dr. Tom Reed for their years of support.

The family will have a private mass.