Clare “GG” Lurz Emery
Clare “GG” Lurz Emery, 86, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 9, 1938, but later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she lived for most of her life before relocating to various places and ultimately settling in Chattanooga.
Clare earned a master’s degree in School Psychology and dedicated many years to supporting adults with disabilities through her work at Orange Grove Center, as well as helping those struggling with mental health at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute, before retiring in 2004.
In retirement, Clare found joy in pottery, creating beautiful pieces and firing them in her home kiln. Even after losing her vision, she continued to throw pottery, never allowing her blindness to hinder her creativity. She was always working toward her next art show. Clare shared a deep love of Disney with her family, taking many memorable trips with them. She especially cherished trips with her daughter and granddaughter, during which they were reminded that “It’s a Small World After All.” At the age of 84, she braved her final rides on Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. She taught everyone around her to find joy in everyday life and to treasure making memories with loved ones.
A devout Catholic, Clare found comfort in praying her rosary daily. She was a dedicated member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, where she was a founding member of the women’s prayer ministry and helped create numerous prayer shawls for those in need of comfort. Alongside her prayer life, Clare practiced Tai Chi and meditation, which brought her peace and kept her active.
Clare was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Watson; sons, David Emery and Darryl Emery; grandchildren, Lindsay (Zach) Hagermaker, Megan (Toria) Watson, Brandon (Brittany) Emery, Katlyn Emery, and Rebekah Carter; daughter-in-law, Patty Emery; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Henry Watson, Brock and Nash Hagermaker, and the soon-to-arrive Baby Emery.
Special thanks are extended to Hearth Hospice for the beautiful, compassionate, and dignified care they provided in her final days. The family also offers special thanks to her granddaughter, Toria Watson, for her devoted, round-the-clock care, allowing the rest of the family to focus on simply being together. Extra special thanks go to Hope, David’s 5-pound Chihuahua, who brought Clare comfort and peace in her last days.
A funeral Mass will be held at a later date at St. Gerard Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 3049 LaFayette Rd., Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742.
Arrangementsare entrusted to Cremation Center of Chattanooga 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, 423 362-5999.