On August 18, 1947, Albert and Dolly Mae completed their family with the birth of their only daughter, Claudette Hunter.  Not quite two years later, tragedy would render an awful blow, removing Dolly Mae from young Claudette's life. Without understanding the gravity of her loss, God used His infinite wisdom and grace, placing Claudette in a position to live a wonderful life.

A host of loving relatives that have preceded us ensured Claudette was educated within the Petersburg City Public Schools, graduating in 1965, a lifelong honor she proudly reminisced about.  The friendships found yesterday remain unbreakably strong today. Norfolk State University opened its doors to an awaiting freshman, and in 1970, Virginia State University awarded Claudette's undergraduate diploma.  Her Master's degree received from Drexel University would be a gift of the future.

Embracing the value of education, Claudette sought to develop this passion throughout her life.  For 34 years she devoted her time, talents, and love of teaching to her career, many times mothering students that may have been without.

Between teaching, Claudette became a phenomenal mother. On August 20, 1981, she began building her small family with the birth of her only daughter, Claudette.  As the years passed the two weathered the storms and joys of life.

The year 2005 was a year filled with happiness and loss. In May she celebrated with her daughter as she crossed the stage, receiving her diploma from the same university as her mother had decades before.  In June, Claudette passed the baton to the next generation of culinary arts teachers, and with elegance, laid her surviving parent to rest.

Claudette began to explore this beautiful world post-retirement. She traveled to Spain, Aruba, Greece, Turkey, Israel, France and England. They all have been passport stamped and some of her fondest memories shared with family and friends.

While traveling was a hobby, serving the Lord was Claudette's passion.  Her roots were grown in Petersburg, attending First Baptist Church with her grandmother and aunt. However, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia was her church home for more than 25 years.  It was there she participated in organizations such as the August Circle, Vacation Bible School, Willing Worker's, Scholarship Committee, Repast Ministry, the Bible Club and she taught Sunday School.  In 2009, it was this church that awarded her Women of the Year.

In late 2023, Claudette would visit and eventually join Pinn Memorial Baptist Church under Reverend Dr. John A. Dawkins and fulfill works within the Women's Ministry, the Women's Fellowship and the Family Life Ministry. The love and lessons learned within all groups mentioned provided the foundation for Claudette to instill a love of Christ within her young grandson, Ryan. It was on the 13th day of July, in 2017, her small family became complete, removing all other titles, lovingly known as BB.

Within her Philadelphia community, BB held a special place in many hearts. Neighbors enjoyed gathering at the house, dining over themed Christmas Eve Brunches, while cheer was spread throughout.  BB didn't know it, but she silently prepared her daughter to follow a similar path.

While everyone that knew and loved her dearly will miss her, her daughter pays for a small fraction of the strength she saw her mother demonstrate in good health as well as her final tender moments.

BB leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Claudette and grandson, Ryan. A devoted lifelong companion, James Jones, and a host of cousins and amazing friends that lived up to the definition.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.