Claire Houser-Dodd

Claire Houser-Dodd, 92, of Fort Valley, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025. Family will greet friends for a time of visitation on Monday, September 1, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Rooks Funeral Home, 213 West Church Street in Fort Valley, with a graveside service immediately following at 12:00 PM at Oaklawn Cemetery, 720 South Camellia Boulevard in Fort Valley. Tim Wilson will officiate.

Claire was born in Fort Valley on February 9, 1933, to the late D.K. Houser and Emily Anderson Houser. She attended Wesleyan Conservatory, graduating in 1953 with a degree in English, Speech, and Drama. She would later earn her Master's Degree from Mercer University.

In her early years, she taught speech in the Perry school system and later she would teach speech in the Monroe County school system. After leaving Forsyth, Claire taught English at Fort Valley State University. She later wrote articles for the Leader Tribune called "Peaches and Screams" and for the Senior News called "Let Us Entertain You".

Claire was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. William A. "Billy" Dodd in 2008, her parents and a sister, Mary Killen Houser. Survivors include her daughter, Emily Griffin (Mike) of Fort Valley, grandson, Eli Turner of Perry, granddaughter, Denver Payne (Blake) of Forsyth, great-grandson, Matthew Turner of Perry, and great granddaughter, Huntley Payne of Forsyth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Rooks Funeral Home in Fort Valley is in charge of arrangements.