Claire Harris

Claire Elaine (Smith) Harris, age 83 of Decatur, Illinois died on October 17, 2013 in her daughter's home with her family at her side. Celebration of life services: 1 p.m. Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church; Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur; Burial: Mount Gilead Cemetery; Memorials: Lutheran School Association or St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Claire was born on April 24, 1930 into the loving, Christian family of Clarence Ransom Smith and Sarah Ruth (Hardy) Smith. Claire's formative years were enriched by strong family traditions and values instilled by her parents, several aunts and uncles who resided in the home. Claire graduated from Angola High School in 1948. The yearbook notes that "Smitty is always ready to help a buddy and her buddies are numerous". Her senior class picture was showcased in the photographer's display window and was admired by Glenn Harris, an engineering student at Tri-State College. When he noticed Claire at a dance, he recalled seeing her picture from the display, asked her to dance and later asked for her hand in marriage. They were married 61 years and had three children. The family moved to Decatur, IL in 1963. Claire and Glenn took great pride in the house they built and lived in for 40 years. In addition to building the home, Claire was active in her children's school and scout troops. She also placed importance on weekly attendance at St Paul's Lutheran Church. The family enjoyed yearly vacations to National Parks and historic sites throughout the United States. As empty nesters, Claire and Glenn vacationed annually at their favorite destination, St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Growing up with aunts that were educators, Claire became an avid lifelong reader. She enjoyed historical fiction and biographies. Other hobbies included baking, walking, swimming and knitting. Many people had the privilege and pleasure of enjoying Claire's hospitality and baked treats. With great enthusiasm, Claire often presented her family and friends with gorgeous hand knit gifts. On many occasions she designed the unique patterns. Influenced by her father's patriotism and stories of his World War I military service in France, Claire was inspired to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a DAR member for 49 years and served as Regent and Chaplain of the Stephen Decatur Chapter. During those years, she took great pride in attending Illinois State Conferences in Chicago and Continental Congresses in Washington, D.C. Although her husband, Glenn supported her passion and involvement in the DAR, he often referred to it as the "Diddle-A-Round". He once accompanied her on a DAR trip to visit schools supported by the organization. Claire became a member of the National Society of the Colonial Daughters of the Seventeenth Century, Illinois Chapter in 1998. Surviving are her daughters, Sarah (Harris) Quisenberry of Chicago, IL, Leenie (Harris) Florian and her husband Greg of Decatur, IL; grandchildren: Wally and Amanda Quisenberry, Josie, Will and Emma Harris, Nick and Colin Florian; great-grandchildren: Chloe, Megan and Braedyn Harris. Claire is preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; son, Schafer; parents, Clarence and Ruth; brother, Jerry. Throughout Claire's life, she formed lasting friendships with classmates, neighbors and members of organizations and church. The family has been comforted by the loyalty that was demonstrated by many of her friends during the final months of her life. The family of Claire Harris would like to extend their appreciation and thanks for the quality and loving care she received each day from the wonderful staff at Heritage Manor in Mt. Zion the last few months of her life on earth. Her home is now in Heaven. "
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