Clarie Austin Smith

Claire Austin Smith transitioned peacefully on March 9, 2026, in Lexington, South Carolina. Born in Laurens, South Carolina, she was the fifth of eight children born to the late Larry Austin and Lillian Garrett Austin. Claire attended the public schools of Laurens County and was a proud graduate of Sanders High School, Class of 1956. While attending Sanders High School in 1954, she met the love of her life, Willie Clyde Smith, Jr. Their love blossomed, and they were united in holy matrimony on June 7, 1959, in Laurens, South Carolina. To this loving union, five children were born. As a devoted military wife, Claire lovingly supported her husband during his service in the United States Army. His tours of duty included assignments at Fort Bragg, Fort Gordon, Fort Sill, and Fort Stewart, along with foreign tours primarily in Germany. Throughout these years, she dedicated herself to creating a warm, nurturing home while raising their children, occasionally joining her husband during his stateside and overseas assignments. Having been raised on a farm in Laurens, Claire believed strongly in teaching her children the values of hard work, simple living, and strong spiritual principles. In her spare time, she enjoyed cultivating beautiful gardens, participating in her bowling league, supporting her children’s sports activities, and selling Avon. While living in Laurens, Claire was a faithful member of Flat Ruff Baptist Church. After relocating to Columbia, South Carolina in 1983, she and her husband became devoted members of Bluff Road United Methodist Church, where she sang in the church choir and was active in the United Methodist Women. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Annie Laura Montgomery and Sallie Stroud, and four brothers, Jessie Austin, Will Henry Austin, Larry Austin, and James Austin. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her beloved husband of 67 years, Willie Clyde Smith, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina; three daughters: Patricia Smith Butler of Grovetown, Georgia; April Smith Phillips of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Theresa Smith of Columbia, South Carolina; two sons: Willie C. Smith, III of Irmo, South Carolina and Gerald (Crystal) Smith of Blythewood, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. LIVE STREAM LINK TO SERVICE https://www.youtube.com/@bluffroadumc-columbiasc4667

Clarie Austin Smith

January 12, 1938 - March 9, 2026