Clair Wise
d. October 15, 2018
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, William George Wise, Sr., her parents Whorton and Mary Clair Warren, and her sisters Elizabeth Bedell and Jackie Craft. She is survived by her daughter Barry Wise Smith (Kyle), son William George Wise, Jr. (Sarah), grandsons Thomas Smith and Hardy Smith, sister Debbie Warren Laird (George), and brother William Hampton Warren.
Clair was born in Birmingham on September 29, 1940, and graduated from Ensley High School. After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Clair and Bill moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, where they lived for over 40 years and raised their family. Clair was a longtime and faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gulfport, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and enjoyed her many Bible study groups. Her faith spirituality anchored her, but she never passed judgement on anyone who differed in conviction. Clair cared deeply for and actively sought to help those less fortunate and different from her. As a longtime instructional aid in the Gulfport City School System, she touched the lives of countless students, fellow teachers and staff. Clair was a true gourmand and loved gardening, reading (particularly children’s books) and studying God’s word. Whatever she devoted herself to, she did so fully, whether her faith, her family, culture, or her hobbies.
Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2018, in the Chapel at Ridout’s Valley Chapel (1800 Oxmoor Rd.) in Homewood followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory, College Street Location is in charge of local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Ave., Gulfport, MS 39507 or online at trinityumc.com.
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