Claudia Maddox

Claudia Odeal Maddox, 75, of South Haven, passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 at home under hospice care. She was born November 12, 1945 to Junie and Marzie (Pearson) Maddox in South Haven, Michigan. Claudia graduated from South Haven High School with the Class of 1964. She went on with her education graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in accounting. While there, Claudia was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Claudia worked for Wyckoff Chemical Company, the power plant, and Village Market. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Community Church serving as an usher and on the board of trustees. She was awarded the Black History Leadership Award for Positive Role Model for Black Youths. She was also the first black woman to be on the South Haven School Board serving as Vice President for many years. She volunteered on election polls and for the Dragon Boat Festival. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and softball.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marzie and Junie, step-father William Roscoe Pearson, brother Rocky Pearson and sister Dorothy Maddox.

Claudia is survived by her son Walter (Mary) Maddox, grandson Wryen Maddox, brother Cubie Maddox of Hawaii and sister Laura White of Indianapolis, Indiana, five nieces, L’Tonya (Andre) Anthony, Terri Sharpe, Chaneca White, Sherrese White, and Rachel White, seven great-nieces, three great-nephews, two great-great nieces, sister-in-law Barbara Rose, many friends and co-workers and neighbors on Fruit Street.

A wake will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Funeral services will be livestreamed following the wake at 12:00 PM with Bishop Fred Lee Cunningham, II officiating at the funeral home.