Claire Blue

Five years ago, we lost our precious angel, “Clairebear”, on April 16th, 2020. Time has moved forward but our hearts remain rooted in the memory of Claire Amanda Blue – mother, daughter, sister, artist, and gentle soul. On the five-year anniversary of her departure from this world, we offer this renewed tribute to the life she lived, the beauty she carried, and the legacy she left behind. This obituary is not just a record of her passing but a tribute to her life – a life filled with quiet beauty, deep thoughtfulness and the unique light that only she could bring to the world. As we approach this milestone, we want to honor Claire properly, ensuring that her story is told, remembered and preserved.

Claire’s legacy of love continues through her daughter, Vera Lozette Blue (Wagner), who carries forward her mother’s creativity, strength and loving spirit. Claire is also survived by her parents, Amanda Harris and Steven Blue; her stepmother, Shawna Blue; her siblings Christina Hamilton, Jacob Blue, and Ainsley Blue; and her grandmothers, Ann Harris and Linda Blue. She is also survived by her grandfathers, Lester Blue, who passed away in August of 2020 and George Gary Harris who passed away in July of 2023. Claire is preceded in death by her daughter’s father, Jason Wagner who passed away in December of 2019.

Claire’s story will not be silenced. Her passing was the result of a tragic act of exploitation during a vulnerable time in her life. She was taken advantage of by individuals who preyed on her, and a broken criminal justice system that failed to protect her. Her death, caused by fentanyl poisoning, was not the result of personal choice or a life defined by substance use. Claire was a victim of a criminal act, and we believe that history will one day recognize the scale of loss caused by fentanyl poisoning of our youth as a tragedy of unparalleled proportion. The injustice of Claire’s story is compounded by the fact that her life, and her death, did not fit a convenient narrative. She was not what society often deems as the ‘ideal victim’ and because of that, the people who exploited her were all allowed to slip through the cracks with zero consequence. But her worth was never diminished by her struggles. Claire’s life mattered. Her story matters. And the silence surrounding her death only deepens the urgency to speak the truth.

Although the way Claire passed was tragic, it does not define her spirt or the kind of person she was. Claire’s heart was full of love, kindness, and a quiet strength that shone through even in the most difficult times. She embodied a depth of character and compassion that far surpassed those who took her life, whose actions stand in stark contrast to the light and humanity Claire carried within her.

Claire Amanda Blue came into this world on Pi Day, March 14, 1996, a day that seems perfectly suited to her infinite spirit. Just as Pi is a number without end, so was Claire’s heart, full of boundless love and creativity. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee at Baptist Hospital and spent her childhood and early teen years growing up in her hometown of Hendersonville, Tennessee. Claire’s childhood was filled with sweetness, laughter and wonder. As a child, she was known for her quirky sense of humor, and she didn’t go anywhere without bringing her “bankie” with her. She was a beautiful little girl with blonde hair and the biggest strikingly blue eyes framed by the longest eyelashes. She had a love for nature, animals, and drawing, often spending time outdoors and expressing herself through her art. As a child, Claire enjoyed family trips to the Florida, Disney World, cruises and theme parks were her favorite. Claire enjoyed being with her siblings and had a very special unbreakable bond with her older sister, Christina, who was her true confidante and

friend. Likewise, she loved and was very protective of her younger siblings, Ainsley and Jacob. As a child, Claire enjoyed many extracurricular activities including dance, cooking lessons, church activities and soccer. But most of all, she enjoyed learning in school and was an avid reader into her adulthood.

As Claire entered her teen years, she faced challenges that shaped her journey, but she also had experiences that brought her joy and personal growth. During her time at Heritage School in Provo, Utah, Claire found new passions and talents. She loved to spend time with the horses which gave her a sense of peace and connection to nature. She also participated in the school’s drama club, performing in several plays, and played on the soccer team. One of her proudest achievements was hiking the peak of Mount Timpanogos, a challenging and rewarding accomplishment that showed her strength and determination. Claire became a mentor to many of the students, offering support and guidance to those who needed it the most. The staff and teachers at Heritage School also loved Claire for her warmth, kindness and quiet strength. In addition to the activities at Heritage School, Claire had the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful national parks in the country including, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree, which she treasured deeply. She also ventured into Salvation Mountain, Yosemite and she got to experience the giant Sequoia Trees at Sequoia National Park. Claire once rode the Pacific Rail from Los Angels to Seattle, experiencing the beauty of the West Coast in a way that few people ever do.

Claire had a remarkable connection to animals – one of the most beautiful and defining aspects of her spirit. She had a quiet, gentle energy that drew animals to her naturally, almost like an animal whisperer. Throughout her life, she rescued and fostered many animals offering them the same warmth and care she shared with those she loved. Claire’s heart was especially tender toward creatures others overlooked such as her beloved pet rats, Chloe and Sofie, her cats, bearded dragon and her cherished corn snake named Cornelius. She found comfort and joy in their presence, and they responded to her with trust and affection. Her bond with animals reflected the purest parts of her soul – sensitive, nurturing and deeply attuned to the quiet language of love.

As Claire entered adulthood, she faced many challenges, but her greatest source of strength was always her love for her daughter, Vera. Claire worked hard to provide for Vera, doing her absolute best to create a home full of love and warmth. Despite the struggles she faced as a young, single mom, Claire’s devotion to vera was unwavering. She made sure to fill Vera’s world with books, love, trips to parks and stories, always emphasizing the importance of reading. Claire also pursued her passion for environmental studies, attending Middle Tennessee State University with hopes for a better future. Above all, Claire’s role as a mother defined her life, and she gave Vera everything she possibly could, always striving to be the best mom she could be.

As we reflect on the five years that have passed since Claire’s departure, we realize that time has not made the pain easier to bear. If anything, it has made it worse. The ache of her absence remains with us, an indelible part of our hearts. Yet, though the grief, we find comfort in knowing that Claire’s spirit lives on in her daughter, Vera, and in the memories of those who loved her. Claire’s journey may have been short, but it was filled with a depth of love, creativity and light that will never be forgotten. We will continue to honor her, remembering the beautiful soul she was, and holding onto the love she gave so deeply.

On April 22, 2020, Claire was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, a place where her mother finds solace in visiting her grave each week, holding onto the memory of her daughter close to her heart. One day, she will rest beside her, united again in love and peace. And in the stillness of the night, beneath the moon’s gentle glow, we’ll find her there - forever our Claire de Lune.

In the silence I hear your fading call

In your eyes I see and feel it all

In my mind I try to let go

It’s so hard ‘cause you’re all I know

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