Claire Regina Brophy Wallace

Claire Regina Brophy Wallace, 81, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in 1943 in Philadelphia, PA, Claire’s family moved to the Mississippi Delta when she was nine. It was there that she met Gerald Wallace, whom she married in 1966. Together they built a life centered around family and faith, raising four children, Eileen, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Grant, whom she loved dearly.

In the early ’90s, Claire and Gerald relocated to South Carolina where she continued to pursue her many passions, including home décor, visiting her extended family at the beach, and ensuring that silverware and china met her high standards. She loved setting a beautiful table and had the gift of making people feel special.

Claire was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend but her most cherished role was “Grammy”. She adored her four grandchildren, Margaret, Bridget, Jane, and Jasper (who dubbed her “Peaches”) and showered them with love and lessons in good manners.

Claire is survived by her husband, Gerald Wallace; children Eileen Wallace, Jennifer Thomas, Stephanie (Bob) Kladianos, and Grant (Jean) Wallace; grandchildren Margaret Wallace, Bridget Wallace, Jane Thomas, and Jasper Thomas. Claire was predeceased by her parents, Edward Aloysius and Anne Snyder Brophy; brothers Thomas Brophy, Edward Brophy, and Mark Brophy; sisters Cecilia Ruppert, Nancy Jordan, and Mary McQueen; and son-in-law Jon Thomas. Claire is also survived by her brothers Gerard Brophy and Francis Brophy, her sister Eileen Brown, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Claire’s final months were a testament to the rich relationships she cultivated over her lifetime. She was surrounded by family and friends, and she was deeply moved by the outpouring of support through visits, texts, phone calls, cards, and care packages. Claire’s life was marked by generosity and devotion to the people she cherished, and she would want you to know that if you must go on without her, at the very least, please straighten that crooked frame in the hallway. 

A celebration of Claire’s life will be held this summer and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Claire by spending time with your loved ones and lingering on the beach for an extra hour in the evening. Donations in her honor can be directed to St. Joseph School in Nashville, TN.