Claire Anne Minor

December 8, 1953 - March 4, 2021

12/08/1953 - 03/04/2021

Past Services

Visitation
Saturday March 13, 2021
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Service
Saturday March 13, 2021
4:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Additional Information:

Celebration of Life

Claire Anne Minor (née Pease), 67, passed away March 4th, 2021. She was born December 8th, 1953 in Evansville, IN to Mark and Clara Pease. She was a 1971 graduate of Pontiac Catholic High School in Pontiac, MI. Claire met her devoted husband, Tim, in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico while they were both serving in the US Navy.
She is predeceased by her husband Tim, her mother, Clara, her father, Mark, her father-in-law Joseph, and her stepson Joe. She is survived by her two daughters, Sara Riley, and Lauren Riner (Troy); her sister, Karen Pease (Robin); her loving mother-in-law, Rebecca Minor, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Rick Minor (Karen), Krista Ratliff (Frank), Anita Sinks, and Paula Britt (J.T.); six grandchildren, Jake Minor, Leah and Abby Riner, and Emily, Riley, and Jack Minor; a host of nieces and nephews, her many loving cousins, including her very special cousin, Shirley Brown.
Claire was a trailblazer for women, having joined the military in 1973, and becoming the 8th female Operations Specialist. She proudly served her country in the United States Navy for 8 years. She was an adventurer and tried her hand at spelunking, skydiving, whitewater rafting, rappelling, and bullfighting. While in the military, she dug foxholes to sleep in, supervised and led multiple ship exercises, and was an expert with firing the M-16. Later in life she decided to try her hand at gardening, finding her true calling and honing her talent by becoming a certified Virginia Master Gardener. She was famous for knowing not just the common names, but the Latin names of every plant she saw. Later in life, she and Tim found their “happy place” at Grey’s Point Campground, where she became an avid fisherwoman and garnered the title of “Cobia Queen”. While she had many roles over the course of her life, none filled her with as much joy as the role of being a grandmother, aka “Mina”.
Claire’s profound loss will be felt by many, but she will surely live on in the hearts of all who loved her. And there were many.
Funeral services will be held on March 13th, 2021 at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Angie D Todd
3 years ago

Ms. Claire was a one of a kind lady. I know I’ll never come across another in my lifetime. Rest easy, my friend. Remember how much I love you too! To Sara, Lauren, Ms. Karen and family, thank you. I love y’all and I’m here for y’all should you need me.

Stan Slupski
3 years ago

I will cherish all of my memories with Claire. I will miss our fishing trips, the fun weekends with her at Grey’s Point and most of all, the long meaningful conversations we’ve shared in recent years. She will remain deeply imbedded in my heart and she will continue to inspire all of us in years to come. My deepest sympathy to Sara, Lauren, Jake and to the rest of her loving family. You all will be in my thoughts.

Danyelle Tyler
3 years ago

It is with great saddness and a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to our dear Claire.
We met Claire, Tim and the girls in Rota Spain (1994). Over the span of 27 years we have watched our families grow up, we’ve enjoyed book clubs, bunko, pool days and sharing our Navy life with one another.
Years COULD PASS between our visits, but Claire always had a way of making it seem like it was just yesterday we saw one other.
Simply picking up where we left off and never missing a beat.
We’ve cherished our friendship with both Claire and Tim.
Our hearts are broken and we will miss your smile, your kindness, your love and pure happiness you shared with everyone that had the privilege of walking into your life.
You lived your DASH to the fullest my dear friend.
Fair Winds and Following seas Shipmate we have the watch.
Love
Danyelle and Joe

Wael
3 years ago

I am trying to find words that I can put together to express what I feel. Claire in three words: (True Godly Woman). For more than 11 years, Claire was always amazing example for the person, mother, wife and grandmother. She showed me the true respect and love that I felt coming from the heart. Last thing she said to me, “I know where I am going and will be United with Tim again. Best part I will be in the kingdom with Jesus”. I will miss you Claire so much.

James Riner
3 years ago

Deepest condolences Lauren! So sorry for your loss. We love y’all.

Jussara Tanesi
3 years ago

I met Claire for the first time in one of the most nerve racking days of my life. But all the anxiety melted away as soon as we met and she approached me with a big hug. She always gave us lots of love and support. We will miss her.

Angela Barley
3 years ago

I had the pleasure of being Claire’s hair stylist for quite a few years now. I will miss her immensely. Everytime she was In my chair she brought with her a sense of peace. She would wait till I started blowing drying (her favorite part) and say “ ok time for me to take my nap”. She was always so kind and loving to me. I’m thankful for her friendship and love. Truly a wonderful women who will be missed by many. Praying for peace for her loved ones

JENNY KIRKLAND
3 years ago

PRAYERS OUT TO ALL WHO KNEW HER. I GOT TO MEET HER ONE TIME WHEN WE ALL MET F0R CLARA’S BIRTHDAY .

Katy Lang
3 years ago

I’m so very sad to hear of Claire’s death. I worked with her some years ago and she was a dear, kind and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She left this world much too soon.
Katy Lang
Katy

John Able
3 years ago

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Claire (Pease) and my heart goes out to the family in this time of sorrow. After finishing Operations Specialist school as one of the first female Operations Specialist in the Navy, Claire reported to Dam Neck Combat Directions Center in Virginia Beach with several other female Operations Specialist. Claire and her classmates were assigned to me as her first Chief in the Problem Control and Evaluations Center which is a high tempo environment . During the period I was her Chief 1973-1974, Claire was a dedicated person willing to learn all aspects of the training of students in the OS Rating.
She always had a smile and eager to learn. Many times since then I have thought of her as we say in the Navy a 4.0 sailor.
May God be with her family in this time of sorrow and my prayers are with you.
John Able OSC USN Ret.