Claire Wilkinson Smith

Claire Wilkinson Smith entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born on April 27, 1930, in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Lloyd Lionel Wilkinson and Marina Younce Wilkinson. She was raised in Columbia, where she attended local schools and graduated from Dreher High School. She retired from Richland County Family Court as an administrative secretary. 

Claire is survived by her sons, Bruce (Lucy) and Joe (Judy) Smith; her grandchildren, Meghan (Jake) McBrayer, Charlie Smith, and Dan Smith; and her great grandchildren, Jax and Clara McBrayer. She is predeceased by her husband, Dudley D. Smith, Jr.; her brothers, Bruce Wilkinson, Lloyd L. Wilkinson, Jr., and Joseph Wilkinson, who was killed in action during WWII in his P47 Fighter; and her sister, Mary Wilkinson.

The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of National Health Care Nursing Home for their exemplary care, kindness, and genuine love shown to Claire throughout her residency. They also extend sincere gratitude to Abbey Road Hospice Care, especially Melissa Gramling and the hospice staff, whose compassion, dignity, and devoted care were a true blessing during her final days.

Services for Claire will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Rd. Lexington, SC.  Family will greet friends at 12:00 p.m. Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park directly after the service.