Claudia Lee O'Hara

Claudia Lee O’Hara, 85, of Johnson City, Tennessee, entered into glory on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Born on March 22, 1940, in Queens, New York, she was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Doris O’Hara.

Claudia was a devoted mother, a woman of enduring faith, a gifted minister, and an accomplished author whose life reflected the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a teacher. She is survived by her seven beloved children: Debra Christiansen (Ed), Peggy Bossi (Chris), Lori Farrell, Scott Santos, Carrie Fuoco (Tony), Paul Kuhn (Kim), and Andrew Kuhn (Lori Ann). Her legacy also lives on in her 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

From the young age of seven, Claudia was a devout Christian and a strong woman of faith. She dedicated her life to the service of others through both ministry and education. In 2002, she was licensed and ordained as a minister, leading Bible studies and creating a compassionate ministry focused on helping hurting women. She also served faithfully in her church, including ministries like Pioneer Girls and Awanas during her years as a stay-at-home mom.

Despite the demands of raising seven children, Claudia pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Psychology. She taught Psychology at Trinity College and, upon relocating to Tennessee, continued her teaching career at Carson-Newman University and Walters State Community College. She also served as a chaplain and a respected voice in the community, holding positions on various boards from homeowner associations to local government committees.

A gifted speaker, Claudia ministered from the pulpit and was a frequent speaker at women’s conferences, always sharing a message of hope, healing, and faith.

Claudia was an avid reader and lifelong learner, but her greatest passion was writing. Her articles were published in newspapers and magazines, and she achieved one of her proudest accomplishments when she published the first of several children’s books and novels, leaving a creative legacy that continues to inspire.

Her Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 1:00 PM at His Presence Church of Tennessee, located at 1030 Old Boones Creek Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to His Presence Church of Tennessee, HPCTN.com/give, or Hospice https://www.balladhealth.org/foundation/donate-online, honoring Claudia’s heart for ministry and compassion for others.

Claudia will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the Christian community she so lovingly served. Her life was a beautiful testimony of grace, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

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