Clare Sellers Brown

Clare Mann Sellers Brown was born in Detroit, MI on July 24, 1952 to her parents Jeanne and Steele Sellers. She followed her older brother Robb by two years and preceded her younger brother Chuck by two years. She was raised in Birmingham MI, graduating from Seaholm HS in 1970. From an early age, Clare had a passion to work with children which led her to studying education in college. She graduated from Slippery Rock State College in May, 1975 with honors, receiving a degree with a double major of Elementary Education and Special Education. Her first teaching position was in Delaware County OH, teaching first grade and coaching middle school cheerleaders. She was married to Wesley Brown on Aug. 28, 1976 and they lived in Delaware, OH until they moved to Akron, OH in 1977. Her next teaching job was at Nolley School in Manchester Schools, again teaching first grade. Clare’s first son Doug was born in February 1980 and her second son Jonathan was born in July, 1982. During this time she was a stay-at-home mom and immersed herself in raising these two young boys. When the boys reached preschool age, Clare began to teach at the Treehouse Preschool in Tallmadge, OH, where she met several lifelong friends. Clare also began her pursuit of a masters degree at Kent State University, and was awarded that degree in 1994. She returned to public school teaching with positions in the special education departments of Hudson, West Geauga and Kenston districts, retiring from Kenston in June 2014. Her commitment to helping these special needs children was total and unwavering, and she drew great satisfaction from helping many of these individuals achieve beyond expectations. In September 2014, Clare and Wes relocated to Greenville SC to live closer to their growing family, which now includes daughter in law Beth (Doug), daughter in law KC (Jonathan) and 6 wonderful grandchildren – Ally, Maggie, Molly, Cecelia, Will and George. These six have been the lights of Clare’s life. Clare was a mainstay at the grandkids’ dance recitals, gymnastics meets, baseball games, and frequently volunteered at their schools. Clare departed this earthly life far too soon on August 4, 2025 at the age of 73. She passed following a lengthy, difficult and courageous battle with cardiac amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. She was regarded by all as caring, friendly, sweet and joyful. She relished time and experiences with her family, and with all her many lady friends she met through Newcomers, Project Host, the YMCA or her neighborhood. She also took care to maintain and nurture relationships with long term friends, many of whom are widely dispersed. She had an abiding love of nature and gardening as witnessed by the gardens she created and nurtured wherever she lived. Clare never met a stranger, whether it was in line at the grocery store or in conversations with friends in the narthex after church. Her curiosity and caring for others were traits that drew many people into her orbit that considered her a dear friend. Clare left us way too soon in her life, but her indomitable spirit lives on in all of us, and we are all enriched from our relationships with this wonderful, unique, and sweet lady. May God bless her and offer her eternal life in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Project Host. https://www.projecthost.org/ P.O. Box 345 Greenville, SC 29602 864-235-3403

Clare Sellers Brown

July 24, 1952 - August 4, 2025