Helen Claire Smith's Obituary
Dr. Helen Clawson Smith, lovingly known as Helen Claire by her family and friends, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Born in Memphis on September 9, 1930, to Mr. and Mrs. George R. Clawson, Jr., Helen was a proud graduate of St. Agnes Academy High School. She earned both her undergraduate and Master of Education degrees from Memphis State University and received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Houston in 1972. Helen later earned a law degree from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and became a member of the Tennessee Bar in 1984.
As a devoted educator, Helen began her teaching career at Holy Communion Episcopal Church and later taught first grade in the Memphis City School System. She was instrumental in developing early childhood reading programs and retired in 1996 as a Research and Evaluation Specialist with the Memphis Board of Education.
Her commitment to education extended into leadership roles. Helen served on the Board of Directors for St. Agnes Academy (1985–1988) and as President of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (1982–1984), a professional honor society for women educators.
After retirement, Helen gave back to her community in many ways. She volunteered as an ombudsman for MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association), advocating for seniors in long-term care. She also served on the board of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA), especially supporting the preservation of the Woodruff-Fontaine House in Memphis, where she also served as a docent.
A longtime member of Holy Communion Episcopal Church, she served faithfully on the altar guild for 35 years.
Helen is survived by her children: Julius O. Smith III and his spouse, Yiqing Gu ("Gina"); Aimee Smith Laughlin and her spouse, Brad Laughlin; her grandsons, Harrison Smith and James Laughlin; her granddaughter, Taylor Laughlin Wilson; and three great-grandchildren. She was the eldest of four siblings and leaves behind a beloved extended family of siblings, nieces, and nephews in Memphis.
Her life will be lovingly celebrated with a small graveside gathering on May 18, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis.
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