Constance St. Clair Solan was born in St. Elizabeth to the late Joseph and Amy Viola Campbell (née Walters) of Frankfield, Clarendon, Jamaica. After elementary education in Frankfield and at Morris Knibb in Kingston, Claire, as she was affectionately known, was awarded a full scholarship to St. Hugh’s High School. At St. Hugh’s, her leadership qualities were recognized when she was appointed to the coveted role of Prefect, an older student who is given the job of helping to watch and control younger students in a school. It is Claire’s leadership, passion for guiding the younger generation and academic excellence that would form the foundation for her entire life.
After graduating, she joined the civil service, working for the Collector General’s Department. She rose in ranks quickly, piercing the glass ceiling as one of the first women to serve as a Surveyor of Customs. During this period, Claire took over the family leadership role, retiring her parents, and guiding the path of her siblings as well as extended and adopted family and friends. Claire was to continue playing this role all her life, with her great counsel and guidance extending to later generations. Claire’s passion for education as a vehicle for progress, her love for family, and eye for quality and excellence were the pillars of her life.
Claire moved to the United States with her husband Lloyd, who was then an officer with the Jamaican Consulate in Washington, DC. There she was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship, offered through the National Academy of Sciences to increase faculty diversity at U.S. colleges and universities. She earned her bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees in Economics from Howard University in D.C. She went on to a career in academia, including acting as Chair of the Economics Department at Howard. After Howard, Claire worked as a Fiscal Analyst with the Maryland State Legislature. After Fiscal Services, she returned to academia as a professor at Bowie State University in Maryland.
Upon retiring to Melbourne, Florida, Claire became an active member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She volunteered with her sister Norma in their thrift shop. She was also a volunteer, board member, and volunteer coordinator at the Palm Bay United Methodist Church Thrift Shop. Claire was an active member of an organization known as the “Clarendon Brunch Bunch”. She loved to travel and took an annual cruise with her sister Norma and her beloved “Brunch Bunch”. She loved life and knew how to live it well.
Constance was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd Solan and brother, Fitzroy Pink. She is survived by her son, Brian Solan of Plano, TX; daughter, Nicolette Solan Pegler of Hanover, MD; adopted daughter (cousin) Marcia Chisholm of East Orange, NJ; sisters: Norma St. Clair Gordon of West Melbourne, FL and Joan St. Clair Golding (Bibby) of Coral Springs, FL; nieces and nephews: Ivan (Vannie) Pink of Frankfield, Jamaica; Melody Pink of Silver Spring, MD; Merna Vidal of Miami, FL; Joni Ruddock of Coral Springs, FL; John Golding of West Orange, NJ; Jomo, Jamal , and Jherome Golding all of Ethiopia, Africa; and grandchild Tyler Joseph Solan Pegler of Hanover, MD.
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