Claire O. Williamson, born Ida Claire Osterhout, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and creativity. She was born on January 13, 1945, to Clarence Corneilous Osterhout and Benita Pearl Calhoun Osterhout.
Claire grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1963. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, followed by a Master’s degree in Library Science from Winthrop University in 1972.
Dedicated to education and service, Claire began her career as a teacher, spending two years at Belton-Honea Path High School and two years in Lancaster. She later served as the librarian at Fort Mill High School from 1971 to 1983, where she was known for her commitment to students, her love of books, and her quiet encouragement of learning.
In addition to her work in education, Claire was a partner in Gene’s Village Rentals and Sales from 1974 until 1998. After the sale of the business, she embraced her passion for quilting, creating beautiful works of art that earned her several first-place awards and the admiration of fellow quilters.
Claire was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Louis Eugene “Gene” Williamson; her children, Laura Parnell (Chris), Shawn Williamson (Julie), and Michael Williamson (Alec McLeod); her cherished grandchildren, Claire Parnell, Mary Parnell, Patrick Parnell, PJ Williamson, and Louis Williamson; and her sister Laura Godwin, along with Laura’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Claire will be remembered for her intelligence, creativity, dedication to family, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on January 16, 2026, from 6-7:30 pm at Greene Funeral Home, 2133 Ebenezer Rd, Rock Hill, SC. Funeral services and a graveside interment will follow on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 4858 McConnells Hwy, York, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cemetery Fund at Bethesda Presbyterian Church at https://onrealm.org/BethesdaPresbyterian/-/form/give/now or Hospice and Community Care at https://www.hospicecommunitycare.org/donate.