Germaine Clair

NORFOLK – Germaine Clair passed peacefully at home on June 13, 2025, after a battle with cancer. She approached her disease as she did everything in life: with dignity and courage. She was a very young 73.

Born in Pittsburgh, Germaine found her way to Norfolk as a young woman, put herself through college, earning a BFA from Old Dominion University, and soon established herself as a significant graphic designer and community advocate. She was warm, generous, elegant, graceful, spirited, and unforgettable to her circle of family and friends.

She met her best friend, soulmate, and husband, Brooks Johnson, 43 years ago, settling into life together as ardent supporters of the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, programs for people with disabilities, and animal welfare organizations, especially the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro. Attending Bald Eagle releases were her favorite event. She loved these birds for their magnificence and lifelong bond: Eagles mate for life.

So, too, Germaine and Brooks. From the day they met, they supported each other fully in their individual endeavors. No one ever saw an eye roll or heard an unkind word. The two embarked on a home renovation, creating a sophisticated, contemporary interior in an old 1901 Norfolk home to showcase their photographs collected around the world from both established and emerging art photographers. They immersed in cultural experiences through travels to Paris and New York often, but also to Japan, Alaska, Canada, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the Great Lakes, and, recently, Egypt.

Among friends, Germaine set the bar for “hip,” with fashion and accessories, most particularly remembered for her signature black, white, and red, and her favorite zebra, leopard, and cheetah prints. She accessorized with her own jewelry designs. Friends recall her walking through the Stockley Gardens show with a bouquet of peacock feathers. Even sick, she wore makeup to receive friends. She was always “on her game.”

Professionally, she produced books and catalogues for the Chrysler Museum of Art and other independent art books, collaborating with Bulfinch Press, Boston; W.W. Norton & Company, Aperture and Takarajima Books, New York. For 18 years, she art directed Jewish News for the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and selflessly produced pro-bono designs for her favorite causes. She also worked briefly for Bebe in Norfolk, the store brand synonymous with fashion trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s. She set high expectations for her life and expected that of others.

In addition to Brooks, her passing leaves an enormous void in the hearts of her daughter, Megan Chermer Dombroski, of Rochester, N.Y., and grandchildren Evan and Eden; her brother, Bruce C. Brickner (Brenda), nephew Jeremy Brickner (Sophia) and Kelly Dunn (Andrew), of Pittsburgh; brother-in-law Page S. Johnson, Virginia Beach; sister-in-law Rebecca J. Lydens, Chesapeake, as well as many, many friends. She was predeceased by parents Gilbert and Lois Brickner.

Per her wishes, a private celebration of life is scheduled at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Hope House Foundation and the Elizabeth River Project.