Claire McDonough

Martha Claire Tompkins McDonough died August 13, 2026, after a short illness, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by three children, Linda McDonough of Chapel Hill, Randy McDonough (Andrea) of Boone, and Leslie Sharpe (Scott) of Cary, and six grandchildren: Brett, Tom (Allison), Lindsay, Josh, Molly (Garrett), and Brianna, as well as her cat Claudette. Claire was predeceased by her husband Tom McDonough and her son Scott McDonough.

She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 26, 1932, to Loette McKneely Tompkins and Simon Wilford Tompkins. She graduated as valedictorian from Blakely High School in Blakely, Georgia. She went to Emory University’s School of Nursing. Her very pronounced southern drawl and champion pool-playing skills kept the guys intrigued, especially her future husband, Tom. She graduated in September, 1953, and she and Tom were married in November, 1953. After Tom’s three year stint in the Marines at Camp LeJeune, NC, they moved to Englewood, Florida.

Claire worked at Venice Hospital, opening its first Intensive Care Unit in 1963 when ICU was still a new concept. She moved to Boone, NC, in 1975, working at Watauga Hospital until 1987, opening their ICU. She and Tom moved to Conyers, GA, where she worked at Rockdale Hospital as an evening nursing supervisor until 1996, when she and Tom retired and moved back to Boone. She also taught nursing students at Caldwell Community College.

Claire spent her last few years living with her son Randy and his wife Andrea, who provided loving care to her. She loved the Atlanta Braves, UNC basketball, the Carolina Panthers, talking politics, doing jigsaw puzzles, and her family. She was a faithful member of Holy Cross, Valle Crucis, where she was a member of Daughters of the King and worked hard on the Valle Fair and the annual rummage sale. She also played Mahjong regularly.

Claire maintained an optimistic and practical attitude right up to the end, ordering several pairs of new shoes her last week of life and encouraging her family to finish the puzzle she had started before her illness. We finished the puzzle.

Final arrangements are by Austin and Barnes; a celebration of life at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Valle Crucis, NC, August 29th at 11 AM, Rev. Jonathan Chesney presiding. A reception follows immediately after the service in the church parish hall.

The family requests no food. Memorials are requested to Holy Cross Church and OASIS of Boone.

Online condolences may be made to www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the McDonough family.

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