Name: Visitation for Claire Hornsby Windham
Start: 2024-01-13T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-13T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church

Claire Hornsby Windham

Claire Hornsby Windham, 76, of Gulf Breeze, FL passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Claire was born on March 25, 1947, in Troy, AL, and grew up in Coffee County, AL, in the community of New Hope and the town of New Brockton. She attended both Troy State University and Auburn University, and completed her bachelor's degree in early childhood education at the University of Montevallo in 1982. She taught kindergarten in the seventies and eighties before joining her husband in 1983 to work in their business, Aeromechanical, Inc., until her retirement in 2014. Her most cherished community involvement was at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, where she served on many committees and worked in many ministries. Her proudest accomplishments were her fifty-eight-year marriage to her husband, Dan, her two loving children, and her five "perfect" grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Buna Faye Hornsby; her father, Leon Hornsby; her brother, Joseph Hornsby; as well as her grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and multiple beloved dogs.

Claire is survived by her husband, Daniel Oates Windham, of Gulf Breeze, FL; daughter, Jennifer Windham (Scott England) of Santa Fe, NM; her son, Lt Col Daniel Oates Windham, Jr. (Marla Windham) of Macon, GA; as well as her grandchildren, Elizabeth Windham, Maddox England, Mary Daniel Windham, Lily Grace England, and Beck Windham.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1pm, followed by a service at 2pm, at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL. A reception will follow in the Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Garden Fund, Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL, 32561.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dothan Eagle from Jan. 9 to Jan. 11, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Claire Windham

Sponsored by Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel - Pensacola.

8 Entries

Bill and Linda Beckwith

January 13, 2024

Dear Jennifer and Dan Jr.
We met your mom and dad just before Jennifer was born and easily got to know and love them. We were next door neighbors in a trailer park near Ft Stewart, Georgia where your dad and I were in flight school. The obituary you wrote, Jennifer, as difficult but I think as rewarding as it was, fit your mom to a “T”.
You described her directness and dedication to any task before her. And Linda and I saw that first hand on the day that your dad was flying and your mom was locked out of their trailer.

She was going to get into the trailer but couldn’t wait for your dad to get home so, even as very pregnant as she was with you she climbed into the trailer through the fairly small window that she had pushed in. Yes, dedication and determined was Claire!

I also was a flight instructor, Dan, and every time I talked with your dad he proudly kept me up to date on your career progression.

We regret that we didn’t have more than a few opportunities to visit them over the more than 50 years since we first met. We extend our deepest sympathies to you all.

With love and respect,

Bill and Linda Beckwith

January 11, 2024

Deaf Dan & Family,
At Tom's funeral, Claire told me she was supposed to meet Tom in heaven, and he went ahead of her.
They were both strong warrior's. There's no more pain.
I'm glad you had so many years together.
Now we wait our turn.
God's blessings to you and your family.
Sandy Nicholson Phelps

Lt. Col. Michael H. Sarra, USA (ret.)

January 10, 2024

May God be with the Wind ham family during this of deep sorrow. Commendations to her for her contributions to her community. Godspeed. MHS, Auburn '64, Troy '91 MPA. Offering our sympathy and condolences.

Loren Cook II

January 9, 2024

Claire Windham was the quintessential classy and bubbly southern lady. Claire and her husband Dan have represented our company in Pensacola for over 30 years.
When you meet Claire you are instantly happy and feel very welcome. She had an amazing presence about her.
I understood this later as she was a follower of Christ and was always optimistic and positive all the time. One never felt bad being around her or talking to her on the phone.
She will be missed but I hope that Dan and the family are comforted by the fact that she`s with the Lord and someday we all will be with her again.
God Bless such a great Christian, American, wife, and mother to her children and grandchildren.

Sincerely,

Loren Cook II

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Amy DuBois

January 8, 2024

Dan,
Thinking of you, Marla, and your family during this time of sorrow.

Leslie Gordon

January 8, 2024

Claire was an encouragement to so many. She made people feel like they mattered to her - because they did, and she was not afraid to say so. Claire shared her excitement with us when our first grandson was born and supported us during sad times. She was always a strong tower I knew I could depend on. She had wise advice (with a little mischievousness for fun’s sake), always given with a twinkle in her eyes. I loved Claire and I always will. My heartfelt condolences to all who love her.

Mike Windham

January 8, 2024

She was a good friend, high school classmate, and wife of my second cousin Danny Windham.

Jim Heard

January 8, 2024

Dear Dan, Jennifer, Daniel, and families,

We are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Claire truly broke the mold. She was lovely both inside and outside, and we will always keep her in our hearts.

It’s been more than 50 years, but I still remember the day we met. My family and Aunt Madge’s family were visiting my grandparents in New Brockton, and we were all enjoying the shade on their wide front porch. Uncle Danny drove up in his plum-colored Karman Ghia, Claire stepped out, and we all wondered (or at least I did) – who is that beautiful blonde with Danny?!

But we quickly learned that her beauty was far more than skin-deep. From that day to the present, Aunt Claire brought light and joy to every family gathering, with her good humor, sense of fun, and matchless ability to make every one of us feel like we were the center of her love and attention.

She was also a steadfast source of comfort in sadder times. We’ll never forget how she took the time to call us after our son died, even though she was scheduled for major surgery the next morning. We were even more touched – and grateful – that she insisted on joining us for the celebration of his life in Jacksonville, despite a very long drive and her own serious health problems.

Congratulations, Aunt Claire, on a life very well lived. Thank you for being such a beautiful part of our lives. We will never forget you.

Love,

Jim Heard and Esther Yip

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