Claire Anne Watts

Claire Anne Watts, age 62, of Cornelius, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Claire was born in Monticello, Indiana to Philip and Clara Watts on February 26, 1960. She went to school at Lawrence North High School and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Claire married Jeffrey McKahan on April 17, 1999, in Indianapolis. Claire enjoyed an amazing career in retail earning several recognition’s starting with being awarded Distinguished Alumni at Lawrence North High School. Claire continued her successful career holding senior management positions with companies including Limited Stores, Lands' End, May Department Stores, Wal-Mart and QVC. Claire was a member of Walmart's Senior Management as Executive Vice President, Product Development and Home Merchandising. Claire was chosen by her peers at Wal-Mart to be awarded the Sam M. Walton “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award; this is the highest internal award given to the Walmart's Senior Management Team. Walmart sent a private jet to Indianapolis to pick up her family and fly them to their annual company event in Kansas City so they could witness her receiving this prestigious award. In 2006, Claire was identified as one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business by Fortune Magazine. Claire completed her career as CEO of the nation’s largest electronic retailer, QVC. She retired in 2014 to travel, enjoy time with her husband Jeff, daughter Lauren and her family in Indianapolis. Claire is preceded in death by her Brother Bret Watts, Stepfather Harold Woodard, Grandparents Christopher and Marie Jarrell and Kenneth and Mildred Watts. Claire is survived by her Husband Jeffrey McKahan, Daughter Lauren McKahan, Parents Clara Woodard and Philip Watts, Brother Bruce Watts, Sister-in-law Mary Ellen Watts and Nephew Jacob Watts. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be given to Variety, the Children’s Charity Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Watts family.