Clara S. Claiborne, 85, of Sarasota, Fla., died June 6 at Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care House in Sarasota.

Known by many as Claire, she was born Jan. 30, 1922 in Tampa, Fla. to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Claiborne Sr.

In Claire's very early years, her family relocated to Pensacola, Fla., where she was raised with one sister and three brothers, all of whom have predeceased her. After obtaining her high school diploma in Pensacola, Claire was accepted by Florida A&M University of Tallahassee, Fla., where she obtained her bachelor's degree. In 1945, Claire relocated to New York city where she attended Columbia University and was awarded a master of arts degree on June 8, 1950.

For more than 40 years, Claire worked as a teacher and later as an administrator of early childhood education programs in New York city. As such, until her death she remained a member of the Council of Supervisors and Administrators of the City of New York. The vast majority of her career was spent at the Union Settlement Association in New York.

Claire retired in 1987, relocating to Sarasota. Since that time she has spent her winters in Sarasota and her summers on the Vineyard with her special friend, Ann Funn.

Claire's favorite activities were fishing, golf, traveling and displaying her outstanding skills as a gourmet cook. She was a founding member of the Sarasota Duplicate Bridge Club. Until her death she remained active in the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History.

Survivors include Ms. Funn; nieces Dr. Frances Claiborne Henderson of Jackson, Miss., Barbara Hicks of New Orleans, nephew Leo Claiborne Jr. of New York city, cousins Dorothy McCray of Pensacola, Fla., Katherlyn and Carl Harrison of East Windsor, Conn. and the Vineyard, Evelyn DuBose of Avon, Conn. and Pensacola, Fla., Jeanette DeBose of Los Angeles; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

Funeral services were held in Sarasota on June 12. A service will take place at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs next Thursday at 10 a.m.

Those who wish to make donations in lieu of flowers may donate to the United Negro College Fund; to Florida A&M University Foundation, Tallahassee, FL 32307; or to Association for the Study of African-American Life and History Scholarship Fund, Manasota Branch, P.O. Box 2356, Sarasota, FL 34230.

Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.