Tributes

Caroline O’Bryan Claiborne (80) passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida where she has lived the majority of her life. She was born on November 9, 1944 to parents William Augustus O’Bryan and Carolyde Phillips O’Bryan. Caroline graduated from Leon High School class of 1962. Following high school, she attended Chipola Junior College and then Florida State University where she was a proud KD while earning her Bachelors in Fashion and Illustration. Caroline later became an esteemed editor and ad specialist, most notably for the Tallahassee Democrat where she would meet her future husband Clyde, and then the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She then moved to New York and spent a decade working for various companies, including Mercedes Benz. Upon her return to Tallahassee, Caroline worked at Goodwood Museum & Gardens in many capacities, one being their membership coordinator. Following retirement, Caroline employed her artistic and creative skillsets often. She was always a history buff, specifically Tallahassee and Florida history. You could often find her illustrating local historical landmarks, sometimes incorporating them into cards or postcards to share with others. Caroline also enjoyed sharing her photography with others, and believed all art should be shared which led her to being very involved in her beloved brother Bill’s passion for music while he was still living. Caroline was predeceased by her parents and her brother, William “Bill” Augustus O’Bryan, Jr. A celebration of Caroline’s life will be held at the tennis courts of Goodwood Museum & Gardens on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 10:00am. She will later be reunited with her family at St. John’s Episcopal Church Cemetery of Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leon County Humane Society or to a charity of your choice. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting with Caroline’s arrangements.

Tributes

Caroline O'Bryan Claiborne

November 9, 1944 - March 26, 2025