Clara "Claire" Elizabeth Duffee Curry - beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, born in Mobile, AL on November 2, 1918, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on the morning of June 1, 2011, at age 92. Claire was born and raised in the Broad Street area of Mobile. She and her family were members of Broad Street United Methodist Church, where her mother was organist for over 30 years. She attended Russel Elementary School around the corner from her home on Elmira Street. Following her education at Barton Academy and graduation from Murphy High School in 1935, and because of her typing speed and clerical abilities, she was awarded a legal secretary's position at a local law firm. Claire married Adrian Curry in 1939. He proposed to her on the beach at Dauphin Island by reciting the poem he wrote for her, "To Claire." This poem graces the memorial folder available at the visitation and funeral service. This was the signature poem of his 1952 book of poetry, The Fairies. Only 100 complimentary copies were made available, due to the ill fate of the publishing company. They were given to family, friends, colleges, and universities. The only copy donated to the Mobile Public Library is missing. Early into her marriage, she began endeavors at home to assist with the family budget. With much diversity, she held home parties to sell Fashion Frocks, later became a Tupperware Unit Manager, sold World Book Encyclopedia, obtained a real estate license, and worked until retirement with Roberts Brothers Real Estate Agency. With real estate experience, she later began drawing up meticulous plans for her own new home (with 14 closets) where she and Adrian lived out their lives. After marriage to Adrian, she transferred her membership from the old Broad Street Methodist Church to the Spring Hill Avenue Methodist Church (later changed to Spring Hill Avenue United Methodist Church) still located in the Crichton area. During the past 72 years, she remained active in all phases of the church, some of which were the Women's Society of Christian Service (now the United Methodist Women), avid circle member, tape ministry participant, and recipient of various awards through the church, including her last two at age 92. They were a plaque for Lifetime Service and a pin for lifetime membership from the U.M.W. Her 50th wedding anniversary and her 90th birthday were both celebrated in this church. Until a few months after her 92nd birthday, she was still driving herself to church, doctor appointments, the grocery store, gas station, post office, bank, and her favorite outing, shopping at fruit stands. Her doctor said she was "a tough old lady." She remained homebound following a stroke that blinded her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hamilton Green Duffee and Jessie Alva Goodloe, and her husband of 52 years, Adrian Roderick Curry, Sr., all of Mobile, AL. She leaves to cherish her memories, her sister, Jessie Hamilton Duffee Mathews of Pensacola, FL; three children, Alva Lois Curry Kaufman of Mobile, AL, Rev. Adrian Roderick Curry, Jr. (Shirley) of DeFuniak Springs, FL, and Linda Carol Curry Miller (Pat) of Gulfport, MS; seven grandchildren, Steven Morris Kaufman (Loretta) and Grant Duffee Kaufman of Ruskin, FL, Bret Adrian Kaufman (Sheiba) of West Hills, CA, Brian Keith Curry of Huntsville, AL, Christi Lynn Curry Colabianchi (Tony) of Gulf Breeze, FL, Karen Elizabeth Miller Rugh (Donnie) of Pensacola, FL, and Kathleen Goodloe Miller Bahm (Charles) of Gulfport, MS; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved kitten, Baby Doll. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Mobile Infirmary, Saad Healthcare, Southern Care Hospice, her caring physisican and friend, Dr. Almand Westbrook, Radney Funeral Home, and Pine Crest Cemetery. Visits, cards, calls, and food to the home have been greatly appreciated. Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home on Monday, June 6, 2011, at 10 a.m. with Claire's son, the Rev. Rod Curry, Jr. of Center Ridge UMC in DeFuniak Springs, and the Rev. Misty Roberts of Spring Hill Avenue UMC in Mobile officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 5, from 5-8 p.m. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Victory Health Partners, 3750 Professional Parkway, Mobile, AL 36609, (251)460-0999. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com Arrangements by:
Published in the Press-Register from June 4 to June 5, 2011