Claire Elizabeth Essex's Obituary
Claire "Claire-Bear" Elizabeth Essex, 14, went to be with her heavenly father on April 28, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.
Born in Gainesville, Florida on Good Friday April 6, 2012, but raised in Newberry, Florida her entire life Claire broke the mold from the day she was born. At full-term birth, Claire only weighed 3lbs and spent the first 2 months of her life in the NICU. Throughout her life, she would ferociously battle against life-long medical complications, each time defying the odds and the doctors. But what made Claire special was her unique way she approached life and tackled its challenges. This is the Claire we know and love and will miss most.
Claire was a proud alumni of Newberry Elementary School and the Sidney Lanier Center in Gainesville, Florida. Winning the highly distinguished "Citizen of the Year Award” at Sidney Lanier. A 9 year Children’s Miracle Network Ambassador and multi-year University of Florida Dance Marathon participant.Claire prided herself on her ability to spin her spinners faster than anyone alive and to ensure that whoever had the joy of bathing her, also got a bath from the splashing. Claire loved most of all her "snuggle bunny" time with her Mom and would scoot throughout the house to find her so they could share the most comfy chair in the house. A life-long "Swiftie", Claire would listen to Taylor Swift on repeat while going to bed and we don't think Taylor ever had a bigger or more loyal fan. Claire worshiped her big brother Eli, often the only person who could bring a smile to her face after a long stay in the hospital. Claire loved her little sister and her crazy behavior that would make Claire belly giggle and laugh. Claire and her Dad would always play the "piggies" game and you never know when the "alligator" might appear along with the “hippopotamus”. Claire had her special place at Aunt Rara's house where she made sure all of her "work" was done before she could eat her favorite dinner of Mac & Cheese. Claire was an avid cruiser, enjoying riding around the neighborhood first in her wagon and then in her golf cart from the Make-A-Wish foundation. Claire was loving and affectionate, priding herself on giving kisses and hugs.
Claire was as unique as she was wonderful and beautiful. While we are sad at her passing, we rejoice at the time we were allowed to spend with her. Everyday with Claire brighted your day and changed your perspective just a little bit. The world is just a bit dimmer without her beautiful light in it, but we know that her light shines a thousand times brighter in heaven today and we look forward to the day we can see her beautiful smile once again.
Claire is survived by her mother and father, Jonathan David Essex and Jessica Kathryn Essex (Emmons) of Newberry, Florida and her older brother, Eli Essex (15) and younger sister, Emily Essex (6). She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Stephen J. Emmons. She was blessed to have paternal grandparents, Rocky and Bonnie Essex, maternal grandparents, Daniel and Susie Aguila, and maternal step-mother Chatty Emmons. Her Aunts and Uncles, Austin and Sara King, Andrew and Kathie Emmons, Shannon and Allan Forgue and her cousins, Lillian, Leah, Neveah, Sawyer, Carter, Parker, Carter, Olivia and Andie.
A celebration of life for Claire will be held at 20820 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669 at Destiny Community Church in Newberry, Florida on Friday May 15, 2026 at 11am, all are invited to attend and celebrate our “Rare Claire-Bear.” In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Make-A-Wish foundation in Claire’s honor.
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