Claire Barber Obituary

Claire Ann (Allen) Barber, born on August 24, 1951, in Port Chester, New York, passed away peacefully at her home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on July 20, 2025, at the age of 73. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Claire's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and the occasional honk of a truck horn.

In her early years, Claire resided in Byram (Greenwich), Connecticut, where she spent the majority of her life before relocating to North Carolina to be closer to her family. She attended the truck driver program at Johnson Community College, which led to a fulfilling career exploring every nook and cranny of the United States from the cab of an 18-wheeler, alongside her beloved co-pilot and husband, Thomas J. Barber, to whom she was married for over 40 years.

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Claire found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished her time tending to her farm, which was home to horses, chickens, dogs, cats, and a vibrant parrot. Claire had a deep appreciation for Native American culture and was an avid collector of Native Indian jewelry. Her culinary skills were renowned among family and friends, particularly her signature hamburger and hot dog chili, a recipe she took with her.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her daughter, Brenda Marie Yelvington Lister of Hampstead; her sons, Brett Lee Yelvington and Clinton Travis Tarzia; alongside her cherished clan of grandchildren: Jacob Pomeroy, Kyle Lister, Jon Tan, Josh Yelvington, Jesse Yelvington, Justice Yelvington, Jordan Yelvington, Sophia Tarzia and Victoria Tarzia.

She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and numerous extended family that stretches from Canada to Connecticut and North Carolina.

Claire is preceded in death by her father, William Allen; mother, Mary McGuire Allen; and her brothers, Johnny Allen and Billy Allen.

A celebration of life will be held at her home at a later date, where stories will be swapped, laughter will echo, and Claire's unique spirit will be toasted. Details will be announced by the family.

Claire Ann Barber will be fondly remembered as a fun-loving, outgoing force of nature who adored her grandkids, collected experiences like treasures, and lived her life with an open road ahead and a full heart. She'll forever ride shotgun in the memories of those lucky enough to know her.

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Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family.